Megan Thee Stallion has carved out a significant space in pop culture, earning adoration from fans and respect from brands. However, she’s also faced intense scrutiny and questioning in the public eye. One prominent voice often critical of her actions and experiences is podcast host Joe Budden. His commentary, particularly surrounding sensitive issues like her shooting trial and career choices, has frequently sparked debate and drawn criticism.
The Tory Lanez Trial and Beyond
During the highly publicized shooting trial involving Tory Lanez, Joe Budden repeatedly used his platform to question Megan Thee Stallion’s credibility. He and his co-hosts often cast doubt on her mental health and dismissed her emotional testimony, sometimes pushing misinformation and speculative theories to their massive audience. While Budden eventually had to walk back some of his comments and even apologize for joking about her trauma, the damage to public perception had already been done.
This pattern of minimizing Megan’s experiences has followed her from the courtroom into her career. As a leading voice in Hip Hop, Budden’s critiques have often influenced the chaotic online discourse, shaping how some listeners perceive Megan’s pain and struggles. Even actress Vivica A. Fox has publicly called for more respect for Megan in the face of this relentless scrutiny.
Call of Duty Controversy
A recent instance that highlighted this pattern occurred during Megan’s defamation lawsuit against blogger Milagro Gramz. Her testimony revealed she turned down a lucrative collaboration with Call of Duty because her likeness would be used as a playable character that could be shot. Given her experience of being shot in 2020, this decision was deeply personal and rooted in self-preservation. However, the public reaction, including Joe Budden’s, was far from empathetic.
Reacting on his podcast, Budden stated, “I’d buy it off the strength alone,” implying he’d purchase the game just to shoot her character. This comment struck a nerve, especially coming from someone who had previously doubted her account of being shot. While Budden later clarified he meant he’d buy the game due to her involvement, the initial remark was widely seen as insensitive and dismissive of her trauma.
Claims of ‘Horrible Things’ Behind the Scenes
In the midst of the fallout from the Tory Lanez trial, Budden made a bold declaration on his podcast: “I stand in my dislike for the girl.” He claimed this dislike was personal, stemming from witnessing Megan do “horrible things to some really great people” he has relationships with in the industry. He asserted that this bias had nothing to do with the case itself.
Without providing specifics, names, or context, Budden painted Megan as someone who mistreated industry colleagues and burned bridges. This narrative, often seen in male-dominated industries, can unfairly label successful women as difficult. By leaning on vague insider allegiances, Budden positioned himself not just as a critic, but as a gatekeeper of industry respect.
Questioning Her Superstar Status
Budden has also questioned Megan’s status as a superstar, often focusing on album sales as the primary metric. In a 2022 episode, he stated, “You’re not a superstar if you can’t sell an album,” directly turning his attention to Megan. He dismissed her numerous achievements, like headlining festivals, major brand partnerships, and magazine covers, if her album numbers didn’t align with his definition of success.
This perspective overlooks how Megan built her career through viral moments, fan connection, and hit songs, rather than solely relying on traditional sales metrics. Her three Grammy wins, No. 1 debuts, and historic ‘Forbes’ cover are often flattened by such critiques. For Budden, it seems less about sales and more about who gets labeled legitimate and who is deemed ‘not enough,’ despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary.
Fashion Critique and Restraining Order Skepticism
Even Megan’s fashion choices haven’t escaped Budden’s criticism. Regarding her 2025 Met Gala look, he commented that it “had absolutely nothing to do with the theme,” despite acknowledging her beauty. This critique, framed as fashion commentary, felt like another instance of him dismissing her efforts, even while claiming it wasn’t related to his past comments.
Furthermore, on ‘The Joe Budden Podcast,’ co-hosts dismissed the restraining order issued against Tory Lanez as “overkill.” Despite Megan’s testimony about harassment and misinformation campaigns, the discussion leaned towards skepticism, suggesting she should move on now that Lanez was incarcerated. This pattern of urging Megan to prioritize public comfort over her own protection and legal recourse is concerning.
The Story the Numbers Tell
Following the release of ‘Megan: Act II,’ Budden again questioned the significance of her numbers, clarifying that numbers don’t always reflect artistry. However, his skepticism was evident as he suggested the numbers might be “manipulated” if she’s being heavily promoted. He implied that the investment in her career wasn’t yielding the expected returns from music sales alone, suggesting a disconnect between her visibility and commercial success.
While Joe Budden may claim he’s simply offering his honest opinions, the consistent pattern of his critiques towards Megan Thee Stallion raises questions. In a male-dominated industry, the relentless need to question and potentially ‘humble’ powerful women who remain confident and successful is a narrative that deserves critical examination.
What are your thoughts on Joe Budden’s commentary regarding Megan Thee Stallion? Do you think his criticisms are fair, or do they reflect a larger pattern? Share your perspective in the comments below!
