The U.S. Open has revoked the credentials of two social media influencers who allegedly violated tournament rules by posting photos of their access passes online. Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens, who manage the social media account The VIP List, stated their credentials were removed within hours of sharing images of their passes while attending a partnered restaurant during the tournament.
Radice and Jongens told TMZ that they posted their credentials on their Instagram Stories while having dinner. Shortly after leaving the restaurant, they were informed that their passes were no longer valid. They expressed heartbreak and confusion, asserting they were unaware that sharing their credentials constituted a rule violation. The duo, who have attended the tournament for the past three years, described themselves as "diehard" tennis fans and had planned to create content throughout the two-week Grand Slam event.
"We were there to be respectful and follow the rules and just have a good time and show content to our followers about how amazing the U.S. Open is," Jongens stated. Radice questioned the swiftness of the decision, asking, "We had our credentials just stripped away within two hours before we even get to see a match. How does this happen?"
This year's U.S. Open has seen a significant increase in the number of credentialed content creators, with the USTA issuing passes to 100 individuals. However, the presence of influencers has also led to friction with traditional tennis fans. Instances of influencers engaging in photoshoots between points, talking, and moving around during matches have reportedly caused disruption at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Earlier in the tournament, a group of spectators in a hospitality suite were addressed by a chair umpire for taking pictures during a game, with cameras panning to individuals milling freely in their seats. A spectator was also heard calling out, "The players are ready!" Footage from another spectator showed individuals posing with a portable light, allegedly during live matchplay, with one appearing to be a U.S. Open staff member assisting.
Brendan McIntyre, head of U.S. Open communications, commented on such incidents, stating, "We want our fans and guests to have an incredible time when they attend the U.S. Open, but we also need to ensure that does not interfere with the action and competition on the court." He added that chair umpires have the authority to address disruptive behavior, similar to managing crowd noise.