Gabourey Sidibe Breaks Silence on Kathy Hilton's Viral Lizzo Confusion
Oscar-nominated actress Gabourey Sidibe has finally addressed the awkward moment when socialite Kathy Hilton confused her with singer Lizzo during a 2022 television appearance. The actress, now 42, described the incident as 'weird and tinged with racism' during a recent podcast interview, setting the record straight nearly four years after the viral slip-up.
The Cringe-Worthy Television Moment
The uncomfortable exchange unfolded during a 2022 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where Hilton participated in the celebrity guessing game Will Kathy Know Them? When shown a photograph of Lizzo, Hilton confidently suggested it was Sidibe, asking if the singer was 'Precious' - referencing Sidibe's breakout role in the 2009 film.
As host Andy Cohen and the studio audience visibly squirmed, Hilton doubled down on her identification, insisting 'Precious' was a nickname. The moment quickly sparked significant backlash across social media platforms, with viewers criticizing the uncomfortable optics of confusing two plus-size Black women.
Sidibe's Personal Perspective on the Mix-Up
During Wednesday's episode of the One54 podcast, Sidibe recalled the exchange with a laugh, revealing an additional layer of awkwardness. 'That was weird because I have been to that lady's house and had a meeting with her,' she explained. 'I was like, "I know you - Kathy."'
The actress elaborated on her feelings about the incident, stating: 'I've never met Lizzo, but Lizzo and I do different things. I've been confused for many a Black fat, like many, many, many women. And it's always weird and tinged with racism.'
Sidibe expressed particular surprise at Hilton referring to her by her famous character name rather than her actual identity. 'You oughta know my real name, also, 'cause she said 'Precious?' I just...I don't know,' she remarked.
Hilton's Attempted Explanation and Public Backlash
Following the viral spread of the incident, Hilton attempted to explain the mix-up by blaming her poor eyesight and the distance from the on-set television screen. 'The screen was so far away and my vision is terrible,' she tweeted in her defense, adding: 'If you recall, I couldn't even make out who Justin Timberlake or Melissa Etheridge was.'
However, social media users largely rejected this explanation. One viewer commented: 'It doesn't matter if she didn't know who she was nor if her intention was "harmless", calling a plus size Black woman "Precious" is an insult. She still decided to comment on her weight.'
Another critic offered a more pointed assessment: 'If Kathy Hilton thought Lizzo was Precious (a fictional character from a movie which was adapted from a book by the same name) then she's either: 1. A liar. 2. A lying idiot 3. Racist. 4. A lying, racist, idiot.'
Sidibe's Continued Success and Advocacy
Despite the viral controversy, Gabourey Sidibe has continued to build an impressive and diverse career in entertainment. Following her breakthrough performance in the Oscar-nominated film Precious, she has appeared in numerous television series including The Big C, Empire, and multiple seasons of American Horror Story.
The actress has been widely celebrated for breaking barriers for plus-size actresses in Hollywood and uses her platform to speak openly about:
- Body positivity and representation
- Racial issues in the entertainment industry
- The challenges of navigating Hollywood as a Black woman
Sidibe is set to return for American Horror Story season 13 alongside franchise veterans including Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Angela Bassett, Kathy Bates, Emma Roberts, Billie Lourd, and Leslie Grossman. Pop superstar Ariana Grande will join the cast as a newcomer, marking another high-profile collaboration in Sidibe's expanding career.
The actress's willingness to address uncomfortable incidents like the Hilton mix-up demonstrates her commitment to speaking truth to power within an industry that has historically marginalized women who don't fit traditional beauty standards. Her candid reflections on this viral moment provide important context about how such public confusions can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and racial biases, even when unintentional.
