Black Woman Gives ‘Poised’ Response To White Opera-Goer’s Microaggression

December 15, 2025

LaeTania Richardson, a California lifestyle entrepreneur and opera lover, was questioned by a white woman sitting next to her at a Los Angeles opera performance about whether she was famous and if this was her first opera. Richardson calmly responded by explaining her extensive opera experience, including traveling internationally twice yearly to Italy for performances. The exchange was recorded and went viral on TikTok, with viewers praising Richardson's composed handling of what many identified as a racial microaggression.

Who is affected

LaeTania Richardson (California-based lifestyle entrepreneur who experienced the microaggression)
The white woman who questioned Richardson at the opera
Black individuals who experience similar microaggressions in various settings
Opera audiences and attendees at the Dorothy Chandler Pavilion

What action is being taken

Richardson is recording and sharing videos on TikTok to document these experiences
Richardson continues attending operas, ballets, and other cultural events despite facing microaggressions
Social media users are commenting on and discussing the video

Why it matters

This incident highlights the pervasive nature of racial microaggressions that Black people face even in everyday cultural and leisure activities. It demonstrates how assumptions based on race persist in upscale settings, where people of color are questioned about their presence or experience level. The viral response shows growing public awareness and recognition of subtle forms of racism that many privileged individuals may not notice or experience themselves.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Michigan Chronicle