Why NYC Influencers The VIP List Had US Open Passes Revoked
New York lifestyle content creators Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens had their US Open passes revoked. Tournament organizers cited improper registration by an on-site restaurant vendor.
The ongoing debate surrounding social media influencers at the US Open took another turn this week after Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens, the creators behind the popular lifestyle brand The VIP List, had their tournament passes revoked.
Known for their provocative and intentionally elitist reviews of New York City’s dining and nightlife scenes, the duo has amassed 150,000 followers on Instagram and 500,000 on TikTok. Their signature style has made them prominent figures in the local food scene, as well as frequent targets of public criticism.
The Vendor Pass Loophole
During the tournament, the pair secured access passes through a restaurant operating on the grounds. Shortly after receiving them, they posted photos of the credentials on their social media accounts. Soon after, Radice discovered that their access had been canceled.
Radice explained their motivation:
"We just wanted to show how hot we looked with our passes."
Initially, the creators believed the revocation was a direct result of posting photos of the physical passes online.
USTA Clarifies the Violation
However, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) provided a completely different explanation. According to the governing body, Radice and Jongens were never granted official media or influencer credentials. Instead, the restaurant they partnered with improperly registered them as working staff members of an on-site vendor, despite them not being employees.
The USTA clarified that tournament vendors are strictly prohibited from using staff credentials to bring in media, influencers, or personal guests. Once the misrepresentation was discovered, the passes were immediately deactivated.
Sports Culture vs. Lifestyle Spectacle
The incident highlights a broader tension at this year's US Open regarding the presence of content creators. The tournament significantly expanded its influencer program this year, credentialing nearly 100 creators and hiring dozens more to generate social media buzz. Critics argue that these influencers often disrupt play, lack sports etiquette, and cheapen the prestigious event.
Radice and Jongens defended themselves, stating they are genuine tennis fans who have attended the tournament for the past three years rather than opportunists looking for a photo opportunity.
Organizers noted that this incident was unrelated to a separate disruption during Naomi Osaka's match, where a group of influencers used portable lighting equipment, prompting intervention from the chair umpire. Nevertheless, the situation with The VIP List underscores how the US Open has evolved from a traditional tennis tournament into one of New York's premier lifestyle and social media spectacles.
