Haley Kalil Addresses Controversy Over ‘Let Them Eat Cake’ Met Gala Video
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TikTok/@haleyybaylee | Masato Onoda/WWD via Getty Images
Influencer Haley Kalil addresses criticism over her use of “Let them eat cake” phrase from Marie Antoinette in a TikTok video at the Met Gala.
Influencer Haley Kalil has responded to the backlash she received for using a notorious phrase attributed to Marie Antoinette in a TikTok video she posted during the Met Gala. In the video, Kalil lip-synced a line from Sofia Coppola’s film “Marie Antoinette,” starring Kirsten Dunst, which said, “Let them eat cake.”
This phrase is often associated with the late French queen’s alleged response upon learning that her peasants couldn’t afford bread. However, in an apology video posted on Thursday, May 9, Kalil expressed regret for using the sound bite and noted that she would not have used it had she anticipated people’s reaction to it.
Haley Kalil explained, “My dumb self just used an audio that I thought was viral and trending.” She further emphasized, “I’m not elite. I’m a normal person.”
@haleyybaylee ❤️
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While at the Met Gala, Haley Kalil recorded a TikTok video showcasing her dress. The video began with a close-up of her face, followed by her saying, “Let them eat cake,” as the camera zoomed out to reveal her outfit. The video, which garnered over 21 million views, sparked a wave of backlash due to her choice of audio, with some even labeling it as “sinister.”
The audio originates from Sofia Coppola’s 2006 historical drama, “Marie Antoinette,” which is based on the life of the French Queen Marie Antoinette. The phrase “Let them eat cake” is what the queen is purported to have said upon learning that her peasants couldn’t afford bread. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.
In response to the backlash, Haley Kalil posted an apology video that ran for just under nine minutes. She explained that she was contacted by E! News to be a pre-Met Gala host and was stationed at one of the hotels from which celebrities depart to attend the event.
She clarified that she did not have an invitation to the Gala but was only stationed as an unpaid host. After her hosting duties were completed, Kalil watched the actual Met Gala at home with her friends. She also praised her friend and designer, Mark, for creating the dress she wore to the event.
Haley Kalil, w perfect makeup, told by her stylist, Oh honey, you can’t be too fabulous. Put on this sweat top we just curb scored and added cat hairs to. Make em think you’re in the dumps cuz people are being mean. And gurl, pull the hair forward, show those split ends! pic.twitter.com/MhoGYrQr1p
— Mr Bumpy Face gets spammed a lot (@MisterBumpyFace) May 10, 2024
When addressing the controversial audio used in her TikTok video, Kalil immediately apologized. She said, “I am so, so, so sorry that I chose a sound that you guys could ever possibly feel was malicious in nature.” She added, “If I had thought for even one second that the sound would be received that way, I never ever, ever, ever, ever, ever would have used it.”
Haley Kalil further explained that she simply enjoys using sounds that are currently trending. This particular sound had been used in over 110,000 TikTok videos and was the current trending audio for a glow-up trend in the U.S. and abroad.
Haley Kalil
— Chea (@whyamihereduhh) May 7, 2024
The way she ate up most of the celebs 🥲pic.twitter.com/TadtNgBWa4
She provided multiple examples of other creators using the sound and also noted that the sound was used by many small and big creators without any negative feedback. Kalil added, “The sound choice truly had no deeper meaning. I never would’ve chosen a sound on purpose to highlight wealth disparity or elitism. I never even thought it would be taken in that way because I wasn’t elite enough to even be invited to the Met Gala.”
Kalil’s voice cracked as she stated, “I’m not elite. I’m a normal person.” She further apologized for not thinking too much about using the audio and not doing her “due diligence”. She even called herself “stupid”. Kalil’s apology video has already amassed over 6 million views.
Shivam Kumar
Hi, I'm Shivam Kumar. I'm pursuing Journalism honors from the IP University. I love the skill of writing and looking forward to learn more of it. Also I love traveling and experiencing new things every day....
