Jay-Z and Solange Knowles’ Infamous Elevator Fight Began Because of This Comment, Designer Claims

Will the world ever know the real reason behind Jay-Z and Solange Knowles’ unforgettable elevator altercation in 2014?

According to fashion designer Oscar G. Lopez, the drama between Beyoncé’s husband and her sister all began because of something the 56-year-old rapper said to designer Rachel Roy on the night of the 2014 Met Gala.

In an interview with the Daily Mail published Thursday, December 4, 52-year-old Lopez said he believes Jay-Z “complimented” Roy, now 51, on the gown she was wearing (which Lopez designed).

“Beyoncé’s sister felt that it was not proper,” Lopez claimed, “so it was a kind of a drama there, and the dress was all over the news.”

Black-and-white surveillance footage taken in an elevator at the The Standard High Line hotel in New York City showed the Solo Star artist, 39, yelling at her brother-in-law before appearing to hit and kick him. The Cowboy Carter musician, 44, seemingly got in between them to stop the fight.

Following the May 5 incident, TMZ released the footage days later on May 12, and the video took the internet by storm.

Calling the alleged reason behind the blowup “so silly,” Lopez pointed out that Roy was once married to Damon Dash, who co-founded Roc-A-Fella Records with Jay-Z.

Still, when it came to the dress that he designed for Roy, Lopez said that “any press is good press,” adding: “Sometimes you benefit from a scandal, not even being part of it in a very direct way. Let’s just call it a collateral damage. It was meant to be.”

On May 15, 2014, Beyoncé, Jay-Z and Solange released a joint statement addressing the scandal.

“As a result of the public release of the elevator security footage from Monday, May 5th, there has been a great deal of speculation about what triggered the unfortunate incident. But the most important thing is that our family has worked through it,” they told the Associated Press.

“Jay and Solange each assume their share of responsibility for what has occurred,” the statement continued. “They both acknowledge their role in this private matter that has played out in the public. They both have apologized to each other, and we have moved forward as a united family.”

“The reports of Solange being intoxicated or displaying erratic behavior throughout that evening are simply false,” they added. “At the end of the day, families have problems, and we’re no different. We love each other, and above all, we are family. We’ve put this behind us and hope everyone else will do the same.”

None of the parties involved have ever confirmed the real reason behind what happened.