Tems’ massive, cloudlike gown became the Oscars breakout star we didn’t expect

Oscar-nominated musician Tems was an unexpected breakout star at the 95th Academy Awards — and she didn’t even appear onstage.

Instead, the “Lift Me Up” co-songwriter caused a stir with the enormousness and perceived enormity of her Oscars gown. Specifically when glimpses of her seated mid-row in the Dolby Theatre set off spectators who sympathized with those who had the misfortune of sitting behind the view-obstructing garment. The discourse has been an assortment of sartorial praise, light-hearted memes and allegations of disrespect, with those putting the artist on blast being deemed racist.

“I’m cryinnnnnnn,” music producer Alex Medina tweeted, sharing a TV clip of a woman behind Tems peeking around the garment. “tems got that lady fighting for her life”