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Actress Gabourey Sidibe has publicly criticized Real Housewives of Beverly hills star Kathy hilton over a 2022 incident where Hilton seemingly misidentified singer Lizzo as sidibe, referencing the character “Precious” from Sidibe’s breakout film role.
Sidibe discussed the incident during a recent appearance on the One54 Africa podcast, bringing renewed attention to the moment from a 2022 episode of watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
“What happened was just strange to me,” Sidibe, 42, saeid, expressing a mix of disbelief and frustration. “I’ve literally been to Kathy’s house. I met this woman.We had a meeting.”
‘tinged With Racism,’ Sidibe Says
Sidibe explained that Hilton’s comment reflects a larger pattern of misidentification she experiences. “I’ve been confused for many Black plus-size women,” she said. “It’s always weird and sometimes it feels tinged with racism.”
During the original Watch What Happens Live segment, Hilton was shown a photo of Lizzo and responded with “Precious?” She then clarified, “That’s what I call her. Her nickname’s Precious to me.” Watch the original segment here.
At the time, Hilton, 66, attributed her mistake to poor eyesight and the format of the game, later stating she felt “terrible” and meant no harm. People Magazine reported on the initial apology in 2022.
Sidibe emphasized that she has never met Lizzo and that the two women have distinct careers.”it was uncomfortable,” Sidibe said. “I’ve never met Lizzo. But Lizzo and I do different things – and to be used as shorthand like that is dehumanizing.”
A Larger Conversation on Recognition
Commentators noted that Hilton’s comment wasn’t an isolated incident, highlighting a tendency to conflate plus-size Black women. Social media users at the time criticized the moment as an exmaple of this issue.
TV personality Kalen Allen previously expressed his disappointment on Twitter, stating, “Lizzo minds her own business but all people do is make her a joke,” according to