Legendary R&B artist Babyface has received an apology from the Associated Press (AP) following a disrespectful moment during the 2025 Grammy Awards red carpet. The incident, which sparked widespread backlash on social media, has started conversations about respect for music icons.
Babyface, whose career spans decades, is a 12-time Grammy-winning producer, songwriter, and performer. As the co-founder of LaFace Records, which launched the careers of stars like Usher, Toni Braxton, and TLC. And let’s not forget all the hits he has had on his own as an atists and the countless songs he has writtern. In short, he is a legend. However, during a live interview with AP reporters Krysta Fauria and Leslie Ambriz, Babyface’s time was unexpectedly cut short when Fauria distractedly shouted the name of Chappell Roan, the best new artist nominee who later won the award, Today reported.
As Babyface was speaking about the fusion of R&B with other genres, Fauria called out to Roan, causing a brief but awkward interruption. Babyface, maintaining his calm demeanor, passed the microphone to the reporters and graciously said, “You guys wanna take that? Go do that then.” He then walked away as Roan approached the pair.
The moment quickly went viral, with fans and celebrities voicing their displeasure over the treatment of the iconic artist. Legendary singer Dionne Warwick weighed in, posting a screenshot of the word “decorum” with a caption that questioned the treatment of the artist. Even reality TV star Khloe Kardashian expressed her frustration on X, writing, “It’s maddening to see a LEGEND not get the respect and attention they deserve. He is a pioneer and deserves so much better than this.”
In response to the backlash, Fauria issued a public apology on camera, stating, “I’m really sorry about interrupting Babyface earlier… But I’m a big Babyface fan, as are we all, and I just wanted to say that I really apologize.” The Associated Press also issued a formal apology through social media, expressing regret for cutting the interview short and apologizing to Babyface through his representatives, CNN reported.
Despite the awkward moment, Babyface seemed unfazed, focusing on the positive aspects of the night. “The best part of the night was reconnecting with old friends, meeting new artists, and feeling all the love in the room,” he told USA Today. “Music is bigger than any one moment.”
