Lisa from The White Lotus Slammed for ‘Distasteful’ Rosa Parks Underwear Met Gala Outfit: ‘Crazy’

Lisa from The White Lotus Slammed for ‘Distasteful’ Rosa Parks Underwear Met Gala Outfit: ‘Crazy’

K-pop idol and The White Lotus star Lisa Manobal has come under intense criticism following her controversial appearance at the 2025 Met Gala. Her outfit—created by Louis Vuitton and designed by Pharrell Williams—featured what appeared to be the face of civil rights icon Rosa Parks embroidered on the crotch area of her bodysuit, sparking outrage on social media and in the press.

The annual Met Gala, known for bold fashion statements and celebrity glamour, took place on May 5 with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” a celebration of Black culture and historical contributions to fashion. Lisa’s outfit, intended as a tribute to Black artistry, took a sharp turn into controversy when the placement of a historical portrait caught the public eye for all the wrong reasons.

The outfit included a tailored blazer over a sheer lace bodysuit, which featured multiple embroidered portraits. However, one particular image—widely believed to be Rosa Parks—was prominently placed on her underwear, causing immediate backlash.

As soon as red carpet photos began circulating online, social media exploded with criticism. Many users on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram condemned the look as "insensitive," "offensive," and "highly disrespectful." One user tweeted, “Why does Lisa have Rosa Parks on her crotch? That’s insane. This isn’t fashion—it’s flat-out disrespect.” Another wrote, “Rosa Parks fought for dignity, not to be reduced to an accessory on someone’s underwear.”

Adding to the controversy, some critics pointed out Lisa’s past issues with cultural insensitivity, claiming that this incident is not isolated. A resurfaced video of her allegedly mouthing a racial slur in an old performance began making rounds again, with users saying this outfit only confirms a lack of cultural awareness.

Reddit threads and TikTok commentary added fuel to the fire. One Reddit post in a K-pop community said, “Whether she meant to offend or not, you don’t put someone like Rosa Parks on your private parts. That’s basic respect.” TikTok creators began stitching clips of the Met Gala appearance with educational videos about Parks, highlighting the inappropriate nature of the tribute.

Louis Vuitton responded to the outcry with a brief statement, saying the artwork used in Lisa’s outfit was created by renowned American artist Henry Taylor, whose work focuses on capturing the everyday lives of Black Americans. The portraits, they clarified, were inspired by various figures in Taylor’s life and were not explicitly labeled.

However, the explanation did little to quell the criticism. Many argued that regardless of artistic intent, the execution and placement of the imagery were poor choices. “This isn’t about art. This is about the lack of thought in placing such an important figure on someone’s crotch. Context matters,” said fashion journalist Dana Knowles in an op-ed for The Cut.

Designer Pharrell Williams, who served as the men’s creative director at Louis Vuitton and was involved in the creation of the outfit, has yet to comment publicly. Critics are calling on both Pharrell and Lisa to issue formal apologies, emphasizing that this incident should serve as a learning moment in the intersection of fashion, history, and cultural sensitivity.

Some voices have come to Lisa’s defense, stating that she likely did not design the outfit herself and may not have realized the implications. “Celebrities often trust designers and stylists. While Lisa should still take accountability, the blame should also fall on the creative team behind the look,” one fan argued on Instagram.

However, others reject that defense, saying public figures—especially those representing global brands and cultures—have a responsibility to be aware of what they wear and what messages their fashion choices send.

The controversy also brings into focus a broader conversation about how historical Black figures are portrayed in modern pop culture. While honoring them through art and fashion can be powerful, there is a fine line between tribute and trivialization.

As of now, neither Lisa nor her team has issued a statement addressing the controversy. With the conversation continuing to gain traction across platforms, fans and critics alike are waiting to see how she will respond—and whether the fashion industry will learn from the backlash.

Ultimately, this incident serves as a stark reminder that reverence for history must come with responsibility, especially when it intersects with fame, fashion, and the global stage.