Influencers Removed from US Open After Posting Credentials Online

Two New York City-based influencers, Meg Radice and Audrey Jongens, reported being removed from the US Open just two hours after they shared photos of their credentials on social media. The influencers, who manage the account The VIP List, stated that they were informed their access to the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was revoked while dining at a partnered restaurant. Radice explained to TMZ, "We post our credentials on our story. We go to our favorite restaurant. Have a nice steak dinner. We’re downing Honey Deuces. We’re having a great time, haven’t even made it to court yet." Jongens added, "Within two hours of us leaving, we were told we could no longer use our credentials. We were heartbroken and we still are." The influencers, who consider themselves avid tennis fans, intended to create content at the tournament, which is one of their favorite events. They received their passes through a collaboration with a restaurant at the Open and posted images of their credentials to Instagram Stories. According to ABC News, the United States Tennis Association (USTA) has increased the number of content creators it credentials for the tournament this year, providing access to approximately 100 creators compared to 54 in 2025. Radice stated they were unaware that posting their credentials violated any rules, noting they have attended the tournament for the past three years. Jongens remarked, "We were there to be respectful and follow the rules and just have a good time and show content to our followers about how amazing the US Open is." The influencers expressed confusion over the revocation of their credentials, questioning how it could happen before they even attended a match. They have not received any communication from USTA officials since their removal. The incident follows a series of challenges posed by influencers at this year's US Open, prompting the tournament to issue a public notice regarding photography and etiquette. A first-round match was briefly interrupted due to influencers recording videos in a luxury suite, and another incident involved a woman posing for photos during play. Major brands such as Moët & Chandon, Grey Goose, Ralph Lauren, Adidas, and Dobel Tequila are hosting influencers at the tournament this year. Radice and Jongens have amassed a following of nearly half a million on TikTok and Instagram, known for their candid reviews of New York restaurants. They have previously made headlines for their outspoken opinions, including calling a chicken dish at Mavericks Montauk a "hate crime" and describing a visit to a Hamptons steakhouse as giving them "PTSD." Radice stated, "We’re not going to be censored. We’re just really opinionated."