Sergio Hudson sparked a heated conversation this week when he questioned why more Black A-list stars weren’t sitting front row at Black designers’ shows — including his — during New York Fashion Week.

His words, shared in an Instagram story on Monday (Sept. 15), quickly caused a social media scene. In the now-deleted post, the renowned fashion designer who’s created looks for Beyoncé, Keke Palmer, Michele Obama and more, didn’t hold back his thoughts.

“My answer to why some Black a-listers didn’t come to my show even though they were here — White adjacency is a hell of a drug,” he declared. “I pray my brothers and sisters get healing one day.”

After much commentary, Hudson hopped back on Instagram the next day (Sept. 16), insisting that his words weren’t coming from a place of bitterness. “Hey everyone, I just want to clear the air a bit after a simple story I posted seems to have gone viral. Let me be clear — I’m not upset, hurt, or complaining at all,” he wrote. “My show was well attended by people who love me and our brand — industry pros, celebrities, my amazing clients, and the press all showed up to support.”

His Spring 2026 Ready-to-Wear presentation was filled with star power, from Mary J. Blige, Sherri Shepherd, Jordan Chiles, to Love Island‘s Olandria hitting the runway.

Hudson doubled down on his original point, explaining that his comment came after being asked repeatedly why certain Black celebrities show up for some brands but not others. “Honestly, the only answer I can give is that some folks, maybe consciously or subconsciously, believe that white adjacency brings more relevance,” he explained. “I pray one day my brothers and sisters learn that we bring relevance to brands, not the other way around. This is a lesson I’m continuing to learn myself every day.”

Some users agreed with his sentiments, while others accused him of hypocrisy. Critics noted that he, too, has faced backlash for not consistently casting Black models in his campaigns.

One Threads user commented, “Sergio has been talking about this since he came out. He was saying Black celebs weren’t wearing his clothes, so I [asked] him [why] didn’t his models on his website look like the women he wanted to dress in Hollywood and he made excuses as to why he didn’t have Black models. It seems like he’s playing that game as well. He’s insanely talented but it’s like the pot calling the kettle.”

Others rallied behind him, applauding his honest spill. “He’s right because last year Black influencers were complaining about no invites to ‘other’ shows…yet they don’t show up to a Black man who is inclusive and invited you,” one supporter wrote.

Another chimed in with their take on how they would handle the criticism: “I wouldn’t have posted anything…just when they come to get clothes, charge double.”

Hudson summed up his post admitting that he “Hates to have to address this on such a joyous week,” but he “couldn’t sit back while outlets ran with the wrong narrative.”

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