Genie Hannelius on Beyoncé Comparison: 'Ridiculous!'

Actress and singer Genevieve Hannelius has spoken out about the unexpected comparisons she faced with global icon Beyoncé. During her teenage years, Hannelius wore a Topshop dress that Beyoncé also sported around the same time, leading to a magazine's controversial 'who wore it best' feature. Hannelius, who was 15 at the time, recalled the comparison as 'ridiculous' and nonsensical, given their vastly different stages in their careers.

This viral moment has persisted, with fans often approaching Hannelius to comment on who wore the dress better. In a lighthearted nod to the situation in August 2025, Hannelius re-wore the striped dress while riding the New York City subway, even tagging Beyoncé in her Instagram post. While she can now laugh about the Beyoncé comparison, Hannelius admits certain other images from her early career, like a notable fedora photo from 2015, are more a source of embarrassment.

Hannelius, who has been acting since 2009, reflects on her journey with a growing tolerance for past public moments. She views these occurrences as markers of her growth. She would advise her younger self to embrace authenticity, stating that self-acceptance is key for young performers navigating the pressures of the entertainment industry.