CultureCon Audience Calls Out Interviewer for Mispronouncing Issa Rae’s Name on Stage
variety.comCaroline Brew editor The audience at CultureCon was quick to correct the mispronunciation of Issa Rae‘s name during an onstage conversation on Saturday. “You guys know a lot about Issa Rae for all the incredible work that she’s done,” interviewer Glenda McNeal said, pronouncing Rae’s name “Ih-suh.” The audience interrupted McNeal by shouting the correct pronunciation — “Ee-suh” — to which McNeal corrected herself, while Rae laughed and looked down into her lap.
As the crowd continued to shout their corrections, McNeal said, “I’m part of the community, honey, it’s okay” to clarify her racial background. “And you didn’t say her name right,” another audience member responded. “It’s okay to be vulnerable and don’t get it right all the time.
That’s my life,” McNeal continued. “Embrace it, girl. Embrace it.” After that statement, Rae and some audience members began to clap.
McNeal then continued with her introduction of Rae — this time correctly pronouncing her name, which the audience cheered at.
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