Two social media influencers, Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens, known for their online presence as The VIP List, had their access to the U.S. Open revoked. While the influencers claimed their credentials were removed after they posted photos of them online, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) stated they were never properly credentialed in the first place.
The pair had reportedly received their access through a partnership with a food vendor, with plans to create content over the two-week tournament. However, the USTA clarified that Radice and Jongens were "improperly submitted for credentials on a staff list provided by a food vendor." The organization reiterated that vendors are not permitted to credential media, content creators, or external individuals as part of their staff.
According to the USTA, credentials are reviewed throughout the tournament to ensure compliance with policies. Upon identifying the improper credentialing, access was revoked, and vendors were reminded of the established policy. The USTA statement indicated that the influencers did not cause disruptions during the approximately two hours they were present before their access was revoked.
This incident is part of a broader discussion around influencer behavior at the U.S. Open. In a separate event during the tournament, a chair umpire had to pause a match between Naomi Osaka and Anastasia Zakharova to address a group in a suite using bright lights for filming content. Following this, a notice was issued at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center requesting attendees to refrain from using flash photography or other lighting during matches.
American tennis player Jessica Pegula commented on the situation, acknowledging the appreciation for content creation but noting the difficulty when such activities interrupt matches.