US Open officials have clarified the reasons behind the revocation of credentials for two social media influencers, Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens, who operate the account The VIP List. Contrary to the influencers' claim that their passes were removed for sharing credential images online, the USTA stated that their access was rescinded because they were improperly submitted as vendor staff.
"These individuals were not credentialed as media or content creators," the USTA said in a statement to The New York Post. "They were improperly submitted for credentials on a staff list provided by a food vendor. Vendors are not permitted to credential media, content creators, or outside individuals as part of their staff." The USTA emphasized that credentials are reviewed throughout the tournament to ensure compliance with all policies. Upon identifying the improper credentialing, access was revoked, and vendors were reminded of the policy.
Radice and Jongens had stated to TMZ that their passes were revoked within two hours of posting photos of their credentials on social media while having dinner at a partnered restaurant. They described themselves as "diehard" tennis fans who intended to film content at the Grand Slam and expressed heartbreak over the decision, pleading for their return.
This year's US Open has seen a significant increase in the number of influencers, with the USTA credentialing 100 content creators. However, the presence of influencers has also led to disruptions. There have been instances of spectators, including guests in hospitality suites, being reprimanded by chair umpires for taking pictures and talking during matches, which has drawn criticism from traditional tennis fans.
Brendan McIntyre, head of US Open communications, acknowledged these disruptions. "We want our fans and guests to have an incredible time when they attend the US Open, but we also need to ensure that does not interfere with the action and competition on the court," he said. "These instances happen infrequently, and similar to when crowd noise reaches a certain level, our chair umpires have the ability to address the crowd when they occur."