Designer claims Jay-Z compliment triggered Solange Met Gala elevator confrontation

Designer Oscar G. Lopez says Jay-Z’s compliment may have triggered Solange’s viral Met Gala elevator moment

New details have emerged about the infamous Solange Knowles–Jay-Z elevator incident at the 2014 Met Gala, with fashion designer Oscar G. Lopez offering his perspective more than a decade later.

Lopez suggests that a simple compliment on the red carpet may have played a key role in sparking the drama.

According to Lopez, the chain of events began on the museum steps when Jay-Z allegedly complimented designer Rachel Roy on her custom black lace gown, which Lopez had helped create.

He believes Solange perceived the remark as inappropriate, setting the stage for the confrontation that later unfolded in the elevator.

EXCLUSIVE! Fashion designer Oscar G. Lopez claimed that Beyoncé's sister Solange's anger, from the infamous elevator fight, stemmed from what she assumed was Jay-Z's alleged affair with Rachel Roy!

Jay Z complimented Rachel's dress and all hell broke loose 😭 https://t.co/6XF5HtScRU pic.twitter.com/JdS9d839DE

— ˢᴸᴱᴱᶻᴱ𝘮𝘪𝘯𝘢𝘫 (@sleezeSTAN) December 4, 2025

Security footage from the event shows Solange pushing Jay-Z into a corner as guards attempted to intervene, while Beyoncé looked on.

Lopez described the incident as “unexpected collateral damage” and noted that the attention ultimately boosted Roy’s profile.

The designer said, “Any press is good press… sometimes you benefit from a scandal, not even being part of it.”

Roy had been preparing for the gala as a major career moment, fresh from her Project Runway: Under the Gunn win.

With less than two weeks to finalize the gown, she arrived late to the carpet and missed key photo opportunities.

Yet, after the elevator incident went viral, images of her dress received widespread attention, giving her the exposure she had hoped for.

Over the years, the elevator footage became a pop culture touchstone, inspiring countless memes and online jokes.

Despite the chaos, Lopez believes the night ultimately achieved its goal: blending fashion, fame, and a moment that no one could ignore.