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Gabourey Sidibe Addresses Kathy Hilton's Lizzo Mixup
Sidibe calls the mistake "weird and tinged with racism"
Feb. 6, 2026 at 9:47pm
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Gabourey Sidibe has finally addressed Kathy Hilton's 2022 mistake of confusing her with Lizzo during a celebrity photo guessing game on "Watch What Happens Live." Sidibe said the mixup was "weird" since she had previously met with Hilton, and felt the mistake was "tinged with racism" as she has often been confused with other Black, plus-size women. Hilton later apologized, citing her poor eyesight as the reason for the gaffe.
Why it matters
The incident highlights ongoing issues of racial insensitivity and the tendency to conflate the identities of Black celebrities, especially those who share physical attributes like body type. It also speaks to the need for greater representation and understanding in media and entertainment.
The details
During an August 2022 episode of "Watch What Happens Live," Hilton was shown a photo of Lizzo and remarked, "I feel like I do [know her]. [Is that] Precious?" referring to Sidibe's breakout role. Hilton later explained she calls Lizzo "Precious" as a nickname. Sidibe, who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the 2009 film "Precious," said she found the mixup "weird" since she had previously met with Hilton. Sidibe also noted she has often been confused with other Black, plus-size women, calling it an issue "tinged with racism."
- In August 2022, the incident occurred during an episode of "Watch What Happens Live."
The players
Gabourey Sidibe
An actress who was nominated for an Oscar for her role in the 2009 film "Precious."
Kathy Hilton
A reality TV personality who appears on "The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills."
Lizzo
A popular singer and performer.
What they’re saying
“That was weird because I have been to that lady's house and had a meeting with her. I was like, 'I know you — Kathy.'”
— Gabourey Sidibe (One54 podcast)
“I've been confused for many a Black fat, like many, many, many women. And it's always weird and tinged with racism.”
— Gabourey Sidibe (One54 podcast)
“My vision is awful and the screen was so far away that I couldn't even recognize Justin Timberlake or Melissa Etheridge.”
— Kathy Hilton (Social media)
The takeaway
This incident highlights the ongoing need for greater representation, understanding and sensitivity when it comes to the identities of Black celebrities, especially those who share physical attributes. It also speaks to the broader issue of racial insensitivity that can still pervade the entertainment industry and media landscape.
