Jill Scott is opening up about an unforgettable, but uncomfortable red carpet moment that left her stunned, misunderstood, and questioning how a compliment went so wrong.
According to the Neo-soul legend, a brief exchange with one of her personal heroes turned into a tense misunderstanding that still sticks with her today.
What Went Down
During a recent appearance on the R&B Money Podcast, Jill Scott shared the story during the show’s “I Ain’t Sayin’ No Names” segment. During the segment, guests recount wild music industry moments without revealing identities. She recalled attending an awards show when she spotted an artist she deeply admired. Overcome with excitement, the “Golden” singer ran up to her hero and began showering her with praise.
“I said too fast, ‘Oh my God, I love you so much. I listen to you all the time. You inspire me so much. You are a beast,’” Scott told R&B Money hosts, Tank and J. Valentine.
Instead of receiving warmth in return, Scott was met with a scolding stare and then confusion.
“And she kind of just looked at me. And I was like, ‘Oh, okay. I might have did too much,’” Scott continued.
Moments later, a woman believed to be the artist’s assistant approached Scott, claiming she had offended the star. When the “The Way” singer went to clear things up, she was shocked by the accusation.
“She said, ‘You called me obese,’” Scott recalled. “What the hell I look like calling somebody obese?”
She explained that her use of the word “beast,” that meant as a compliment, had been misinterpreted.
The Philadelphia native recently announced her return to music with her sixth studio album, To Whom It May Concern, set to be released February 13.