The U.S. Open has disputed claims from social media influencers Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens regarding the revocation of their event credentials. The pair, known for their platform The VIP List, allege their access was removed after they posted images of their passes online.
Disputed Credential Revocation
Radice and Jongens, who operate a restaurant and lifestyle platform with a significant following, stated during an interview that their credentials were obtained through a partnership with a food vendor present at the tournament. Their intention was to create content highlighting the vendor’s offerings during the event held at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.
However, officials from the United States Tennis Association (USTA) contend that the two influencers were not appropriately credentialed. Brendan McIntyre, managing director and head of U.S. Open content and communications, clarified that Radice and Jongens were mistakenly submitted as vendor staff rather than media or content creators.
“These individuals were not credentialed as media or content creators,” McIntyre stated. He further emphasized the importance of proper credentialing in maintaining the integrity of the event, particularly as the U.S. Open has increasingly recognized content creators as part of the media landscape since 2025.
The regulations governing media and content creator credentials for the U.S. Open prohibit holders from publishing or distributing images of their credentials on social media platforms. This year, close to 100 content creators were credentialed, highlighting the growing intersection between traditional media and digital content creation at sporting events.
This particular incident follows a trend of increased scrutiny regarding the presence of content creators at the U.S. Open. Recent events have prompted reminders about the behavior expected from attendees, especially during matches. For instance, an interruption during Naomi Osaka’s match involved the chair umpire addressing a photoshoot occurring in the stands.
Radice and Jongens, who have expressed their love for tennis and commitment to following event rules, have been reached for comment but have not yet responded. Their situation has garnered attention amidst wider conversations about the role of influencers in sports and the potential impacts of social media on the event experience.
Why It Matters: The outcome of this dispute could have implications for future credentialing processes at major sporting events, as organizers balance the integration of social media influencers with traditional media access, all while ensuring compliance with established rules.
