At a Glance
- Laufey was repeatedly called “Megan” by photographers on the 2026 Golden Globes red carpet
- The 26-year-old singer corrected the error on-camera, laughing it off
- She later embraced the mistake on Instagram, captioning her recap “🧡 megan 🧡”
- Why it matters: The mix-up highlights ongoing tensions between celebrities and aggressive paparazzi behavior
Laufey’s second Golden Globes appearance turned into a viral moment after photographers repeatedly called her by the wrong name on the red carpet.
The 26-year-old Icelandic-Chinese singer-songwriter, known for her jazz-inflected pop, handled the blip with humor before turning the gaffe into self-deprecating Instagram gold.
The Red-Carpet Mix-Up
While posing in her clementine-orange Balenciaga gown, Laufey heard multiple voices yell “Megan” instead of her actual name. A Seventeen TikTok clip captured the moment: camera crews jockeyed for position as the star finally turned toward the shouting and said, “I will say my name isn’t Megan,” before breaking into laughter.
The pleated couture dress-complete with an elegant train-had already drawn praise for its dopamine-bright hue, but the name confusion stole the immediate spotlight.
Social Media Response
Hours later Laufey leaned into the mistake on Instagram, posting a carousel of behind-the-scenes photos tagged simply “🧡 megan 🧡.” Fans flooded the comment section with heart emojis and jokes about the slip-up, amplifying the moment across platforms.
The lighthearted tone fit the singer’s brand: she frequently interacts directly with followers and often jokes about the quirks of sudden fame.
Not an Isolated Incident
Celebrity run-ins with pushy photographers have dominated headlines in recent months.
- November 2025: Millie Bobby Brown, now Millie Bonnie Bongiovi, scolded a London photographer who barked “Smile!” at her during the Stranger Things season 5 premiere. She shot back, “Smile? You smile!” before stepping off the carpet.
- Early January 2026: Miley Cyrus clapped at paparazzi during the Palm Springs International Film Awards. When one objected to her sunglasses, she reminded him, “If you yell at me, I do the opposite… I’ve known you for 20 years.”
These encounters feed an ongoing debate about red-carpet etiquette and the boundaries of press access.
Laufey’s Rising Profile
The Grammy-nominated artist first attended the Golden Globes in 2024, cementing her status as a Gen Z favorite bridging jazz standards and contemporary pop. Her 2023 album Bewitched earned critical acclaim and a Best Traditional Pop Vocal Album nomination, pushing her onto mainstream award-show guest lists.
TikTok virality has fueled her ascent: clips of her live shows regularly surpass million-view milestones, and her intimate storytelling style resonates with younger listeners discovering big-band arrangements for the first time.
Fashion as Statement
Balenciaga’s sculptural orange gown underscored Laufey’s fashion-forward approach. Styled with minimal jewelry and a sleek center part, the look channeled Old Hollywood while nodding to current color-trend chatter dubbed “dopamine dressing”-choosing saturated hues to boost mood.
Fashion outlets quickly cataloged the ensemble as one of the night’s standout risks, praising the contrast between the vibrant fabric and the star’s porcelain complexion.
Key Takeaways
- A simple name mistake turned into a teachable moment about on-carpet respect
- Laufey’s playful response won more headlines than any wardrobe choice
- The episode adds fuel to broader conversations about paparazzi conduct
- Expect more stars to leverage social media to control their own narratives after red-carpet blunders
