A new account has emerged regarding the 2014 elevator altercation between Jay-Z and Solange Knowles, an incident that went viral and dominated global headlines for weeks after the Met Gala.

In a recent interview with DailyMail, fashion designer Oscar G. Lopez shared fresh insight into what triggered the confrontation. Lopez, who designed Rachel Roy’s custom black lace gown worn at the event, said the dispute began after Jay-Z complimented Roy on the dress.

“I believe Jay-Z complimented her on the gown, and Solange didn’t think it was appropriate,” Lopez said.

At the time, multiple reports indicated that Solange felt Jay-Z’s interaction with Roy was inappropriate, particularly amid ongoing speculation surrounding the rapper’s alleged infidelity. Sources said Solange had been visibly upset earlier in the evening after observing Jay-Z speaking closely with Roy.

Lopez also recalled that Roy arrived late to the gala and missed the red carpet, which meant the dress received little visibility until the incident went viral.

He noted that the unexpected attention ultimately amplified interest in the design.

“Any press is good press. Sometimes you benefit from a scandal, even if you’re not directly involved in it… let’s just call it collateral damage,” Lopez said.

Despite the circumstances, Lopez added that the gown gained widespread recognition as the incident became one of the most discussed moments in celebrity culture.