Influencers Kicked Out of US Open After Pass Post

Two New York content creators, Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens, reported being removed from the US Open and having their credentials revoked shortly after sharing images of their passes on social media. The pair, known for their online presence as 'The VIP List,' stated they had received access via a restaurant partnership. They expressed heartbreak over the sudden loss of their credentials, which they had planned to use for two weeks to create content.

The USTA, however, has presented a different narrative. According to Brendan McIntyre, the USTA's managing director, the individuals were not credentialed as media or content creators. He indicated that their credentials were submitted through a food vendor's staff list, suggesting an improper accreditation process was the primary issue. This situation arises as the US Open has seen a notable increase in credentialed content creators, leading to some friction with traditional fans due to disruptions during matches.

Instances of disruptions, such as noise and photo setups during play, have previously been addressed by umpires. The USTA reiterated its commitment to ensuring fan enjoyment while preventing interference with the on-court competition. While Radice and Jongens believe their social media post led to their removal, the USTA points to the manner of credential acquisition as the cause, resulting in their abbreviated US Open experience.