Grammy Award-winning Motown legend Gladys Knight mentioned she just isn’t offended by being mistaken for fellow singer and actor Dionne Warwick after sports activities broadcasters misidentified the musicians throughout Wednesday’s U.S. Open match between Serena Williams and Anett Kontaveit.
“Dionne and I’ve been sisters for a very long time, and I hope she is as honored to be mistaken for me as I’d be her,” Knight mentioned in an announcement to NBC Information. “I’m certain it was an sincere mistake. It was a blessing to be in the home to see Serena’s greatness.”
Warwick, nonetheless, poked enjoyable on the apparent error.
“Hello, I’m Gladys Knight… and as a substitute of taking that midnight prepare to Georgia, I received’t stroll on by however will say just a little prayer for you,” she tweeted.
Chanda Rubin, a Black sports activities broadcaster and former tennis star, acknowledged in a tweet Wednesday night time that she misidentified Warwick within the crowd of spectators, referring to her as Knight, who was additionally in attendance at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Within the tweet, Rubin defined that the error occurred when she was wanting on the tennis court docket the place Knight was sitting and never on the program monitor that confirmed Warwick. Rubin’s co-host Mary Castillo additionally wrongly recognized Warwick.
Within the clip from the telecast, which has garnered over 2.3 million views, Rubin is heard saying, “Oh, acquired some extra stars,” with the digicam targeted on Warwick.
Castillo then responds, “Gladys Knight,” which Rubin rapidly echoes.
Neither Rubin nor Castillo responded to NBC Information’ request for remark.
The broadcasters’ mistake sparked a wave of backlash, with many happening social media to criticize the commenters.
Williams defeated Kontaveit within the match Wednesday in what may very well be her ultimate match after asserting in August her plans to walk away from the sport.
The viral clip comes simply days after actor Laverne Cox responded online to being mistaken for Beyoncé on the U.S. Open.
