Megan Thee Stallion criticized over Gala behavior amid Klay Thompson romance [VIDEO]

Raqi Thunda Sparks Debate Over Megan’s Gala Energy and Relationship

Last night (July 16), Megan Thee Stallion hosted the inaugural gala for her Pete and Thomas Foundation at Gotham Hall in New York City—a celebration meant to spotlight Black women trailblazers and support underserved communities. The event was a resounding success that raised over $1.2 million. It showcased Megan’s philanthropic efforts and her blossoming relationship with NBA star Klay Thompson.

However, the event’s achievements were momentarily overshadowed by a viral post from media personality Raqi Thunda. The former “Love & Hip Hop” star critiqued Megan’s enthusiastic demeanor during the celebration.

A Night of Glamour and Giving

The gala drew notable figures, including actress Taraji P. Henson, who hosted the event in René Caovilla heels, adding to the luxurious energy. Megan herself stunned in a shimmering Off-White gown with dramatic hip details, drawing praise from fashion critics and fans alike. Guests enjoyed live performances, dinner service, and speeches that amplified the foundation’s mission to enhance education, housing, health, and wellness in marginalized communities.

Beyond fundraising, the event marked a major moment in Megan’s personal life. Her relationship with Dallas Mavericks player Klay Thompson was made public as the two posed on the red carpet, exchanged affectionate glances, and even shared a brief kiss. Megan gushed in interviews, calling Thompson “the nicest person I’ve ever met” and recalling their initial meeting as “movie-like.”

Raqi Thunda’s Viral Post

Despite the evening’s focus on empowerment and impact, a single social media post introduced controversy. This afternoon (July 17), Raqi Thunda (@RaqiThunda), a New York Times bestselling author and media personality, posted a clip from the gala on X, formerly Twitter. In the 19-second video, Megan is seen clapping enthusiastically, waving her arms, and lightly dancing while seated at a dinner table. Klay sits beside her, clapping more subtly and appearing neutral.

Raqi captioned the clip: “That drunk ain’t gonna cut it Niece… Relax a bit. It ain’t locked in just yet.” The post, interpreted as unsolicited advice from a tough-love perspective, went viral. By midday, it had received over 1.2 million views, 1,476 likes, and hundreds of bookmarks, reposts, and replies.

Breaking Down the Video

The footage does not show any slurring or stumbling by Megan. Rather, her bubbly behavior matches her known stage persona—vivacious, animated, and engaged. Her expressive demeanor, while energetic, does not confirm intoxication. The assumption of being “drunk” appears speculative and rooted more in interpretation than evidence.

Klay Thompson, in contrast, remains more reserved—something that some interpreted as discomfort. However, his lack of outward emotion could easily be chalked up to personality differences or the camera simply catching him between reactions.

Fan Reactions: Support Outweighs Criticism

The majority of reactions on X leaned heavily in defense of Megan. Many fans pointed out that it was her event, and if anyone had the right to celebrate exuberantly, it was her:

• “It’s HER gala, she can do what she wants.”
• “God forbid a Black woman enjoy herself at her OWN celebration.”

Others noted that the criticism was rooted in double standards toward women—especially Black women—who display emotion or joy in public:

• “This is just her personality. You’re not used to seeing a woman happy without code-switching.”
• “Y’all want Black women to shrink themselves for male comfort.”

Some users challenged the “drunk” label, suggesting that such assumptions stem from internalized misogyny:

• “She not even drunk. She’s just a fun girl having fun.”
• “People stay reaching to humble women like Megan. Why must everything be about ‘keeping a man?’”

The backlash against Raqi Thunda included jabs at her own past. This includes her appearance on VH1’s Love & Hip Hop and previous high-profile arguments with personalities like Joe Budden and Tahiry Jose.

Minority Criticism Echoes Relationship Fears

Still, a vocal minority agreed with Raqi’s take, suggesting that Megan’s expressive behavior might be a turn-off for someone like Klay Thompson:

• “Klay probably can’t wait to leave, lol.”
• “You don’t act like that when you’re trying to keep a high-value man.”

Critics also tied their opinions to broader dating expectations:

• “As a high-earning man, I’ve had women ruin first impressions by getting too drunk.”
• “Megan’s always over the top. Klay needs to lock in and bounce.”

A History of Media Mischaracterization

This isn’t the first time Megan has faced scrutiny for simply being herself. From her exuberant award show moments to her dance videos on social media, critics have often framed her joy as unprofessional or unrefined. Yet these critiques are rarely levied at male performers or even other female artists outside the hip-hop and Black community.

Her fans argue that attempts to “correct” her behavior serve to diminish her autonomy and impose outdated gender norms. The fact that her joy at a philanthropic gala became the subject of online policing only reinforced this double standard.

The Pete and Thomas Foundation’s Real Impact

Lost in the conversation was the actual success of the event. Named after Megan’s late parents, the Pete and Thomas Foundation raised over $1.2 million in one night. Proceeds will support:

• College scholarships for young Black women
• Affordable housing projects in underserved communities
• Mental health and wellness initiatives

The gala was a celebration of resilience, vision, and Black excellence. Megan Thee Stallion’s visible joy was part of what made the night authentic.

Final Thoughts

While one viral comment sparked a wave of judgment, the overwhelming response from fans and cultural commentators reaffirmed a deeper truth: Black women have the right to be loud, proud, and joyful—especially when they’re celebrating their own success.

Now, Megan Thee Stallion is more than just a rapper/entertainer. Her philanthropic vision has come to life and manifested itself in a tangible way. The $1.2 million Megan’s Pete and Thomas Foundation raised will now be spent helping the lives of the less fortunate.

Megan Thee Stallion continues to lead with authenticity, whether she’s on stage, on the red carpet, or at her own gala. Her energy wasn’t the problem—it was the spotlight others tried to dim. And judging by the success of her foundation and the public response, Megan’s light is only growing brighter.