More than a decade after the now-iconic 2014 Met Gala elevator confrontation between Solange Knowles and Jay-Z, a new voice claims to finally shed light on what triggered the explosive moment. Fashion designer Oscar G. Lopez, who created the dress worn that night by designer Rachel Roy, shared his perspective in a recent interview with the Daily Mail, suggesting the conflict began with what seemed like a harmless compliment.
A Compliment That Turned Tense
Lopez says a brief interaction at the Met Gala afterparty may have set the tone leading up to the confrontation captured on surveillance footage inside an elevator at New York City’s Standard Hotel.
“I think that Jay complimented her about the gown and Beyoncé’s sister felt that it was not proper, so it was a kind of a drama there,” Lopez said.
According to him, Jay-Z expressed surprise at Roy’s appearance in the black lace gown he designed — something Solange reportedly found inappropriate. Lopez believes that moment planted the emotional spark that escalated into the heated altercation on camera moments later.
Footage released in May 2014 showed Solange aggressively shoving and kicking Jay-Z while a security guard restrained her. Beyoncé, who stood between them, appeared calm and did not intervene physically.
Scandal Fallout and Public Speculation
The viral video ignited global speculation about tension within the family and alleged relationship issues between Jay-Z and Beyoncé. Rumors quickly resurfaced around Jay-Z’s rumored past connection to Roy, who previously worked at Rocawear — the fashion line Jay-Z co-founded — and was formerly married to his business partner Damon Dash.
Although the incident launched endless theories, the family remained largely silent at the time. Days later, Jay-Z and Solange released a rare joint statement saying they had “apologized to each other” and moved forward as a “united family.”
Lopez Says the Scandal Boosted His Career
Lopez admits he was shocked to see the video everywhere online, but the attention unexpectedly benefited his business.
“Any press is good press,” he said, noting that his Met Gala gown received international visibility overnight.
Since then, Lopez has built a high-profile client list, designing clothing for members of the Trump family including Tiffany Trump, Lara Trump, and Kimberly Guilfoyle. He acknowledges receiving criticism for his client choices, but insists that controversy only fuels exposure.
Years Later, Jay-Z Spoke About Infidelity
In 2017, Jay-Z acknowledged infidelity in an interview with The New York Times Magazine, explaining that emotional shutdown led him to make damaging choices. He said he and Beyoncé used music — including Lemonade and 4:44 — as a form of therapy.
“We were using our art almost like a therapy session,” Jay-Z said, describing it as painful but necessary healing work.
Today, both families appear to have repaired their relationship, turning one of pop culture’s biggest scandals into a moment of growth.
