Associated Press reporters Leslie Ambriz and Krysta Fauria apologized on air after cutting off Grammy-winning producer Kenneth Edmonds, commonly known as “Babyface,” in order to talk to pop star Chappell Roan on the red carpet at the 2025 Grammys. The awkward moment was widely criticized on social media by fans, including Grammy-winner Dionne Warwick, who posted a clip of the incident on X/Twitter with the caption: “13x Grammy Award winning Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds? Am I seeing this correctly?” In addition to sparking backlash from social media, the incident also highlighted the importance of the Associated Press Reputation Management.
The Incident That Sparked Outrage
In the footage, Babyface is mid-answer when a reporter spots Roan behind him and shouts out: “Chappell! Chappell!”
Babyface handled the rude moment diplomatically, saying: “You guys wanna do that? Go do that.” He quickly left before Roan stepped in to be interviewed.
The clip instantly went viral, with many users condemning the Associated Press for cutting off one of the music industry’s most decorated icons.
Social Media Reacts
“Disrespecting THEE Babyface while interviewing him is absolutely insane,” wrote one X user. “Somebody getting fired!”
Another added: “hey @AP you need to have a serious conversation with your employees. cutting off the musical icon who is babyface and taking his mic abruptly while he was speaking to talk to chappell roan is so incredibly disrespectful and rude. especially during black history month.”
The timing of the incident, falling during Black History Month, fueled even sharper criticism, with many arguing that it highlighted a lack of cultural sensitivity from the reporters involved.
Backlash Against Associated Press
What might have been dismissed as an awkward red carpet slip quickly spiraled into a public relations crisis for the Associated Press.
Critics accused the AP reporters of showing not just poor judgment but also disrespect toward Black artists and their legacies. Many noted that Babyface, a 13-time Grammy winner and one of the most influential producers in R&B and pop history, deserved far greater recognition.
Prominent voices, from fellow musicians to culture critics, joined the online debate. Calls for accountability grew louder, with some demanding diversity and media training for AP staff. A petition even circulated online, urging the Associated Press to make a stronger statement and commit to fairer coverage.
AP’s Response
In response to the growing backlash, AP Entertainment issued a statement:
“We sincerely apologize to Kenneth ‘Babyface’ Edmonds for the interruption during our Grammy red carpet coverage. Our reporters did not intend any disrespect and regret how the situation unfolded. We remain committed to respectful and inclusive journalism.”
Despite the apology, many observers criticized the statement as insufficient, noting that it came only after high-profile figures such as Dionne Warwick amplified the issue.
The Grammys Carry On
While the controversy raged online, the 2025 Grammy Awards continued at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, with Trevor Noah hosting for the fifth consecutive year.
Notable Nominations and Wins
- Beyoncé led with 11 nominations for her country-influenced Cowboy Carter, making her the most nominated artist of all time with 99 career nods.
- Taylor Swift earned yet another Album of the Year nomination for The Tortured Poets Department.
- Early winners included The Beatles, Charli XCX, Sabrina Carpenter, and Kendrick Lamar.
Star-Studded Performances
The night featured electrifying sets from Shakira, Billie Eilish, RAYE, Teddy Swims, Charli XCX, and Sabrina Carpenter. As always, the Grammys delivered memorable performances while also raising awareness for California wildfire relief efforts.
Still, for many online, the AP’s mishandling of the Babyface interview remained the night’s biggest talking point.
Conclusion
The Associated Press red carpet blunder may have lasted only a few seconds, but the backlash that followed revealed much deeper frustrations about how icons like Babyface are treated in the media spotlight.
While the AP issued an apology, the damage underscored how a single misstep — especially one perceived as dismissive during Black History Month — can spark broader conversations about respect, representation, and accountability.
Babyface himself handled the moment with grace, but the outcry from fans, fellow artists, and cultural commentators reflects a growing demand for change in how legacy Black artists are treated by the press. For the Associated Press Reputation Management, the incident serves as a cautionary tale: in today’s digital era, respect isn’t just good manners — it’s essential to preserving trust, credibility, and cultural relevance.