The controversy started with a casual Sunday meal. On June 27, 2021, Ray J visited Williams at her luxury New York City residence before taking her out for brunch. Ray J was navigating a rocky patch in his marriage to Princess Love, which added immediate celebrity gossip fuel to the encounter. Williams promptly shut down romantic chatter by telling reporters that Ray J was like a "little brother" whom she had known for decades. The internet, however, focused entirely on what she wore.
Williams appeared in a low-cut black ensemble paired with statement boots. As she navigated the uneven pavement while holding Ray J's elbow, the loose neckline shifted downward. Paparazzi captured dozens of rapid-fire frames per second. By late afternoon, lower-resolution crops began circulating on gossip blogs alongside screaming headlines alleging a public nip slip. The images prompted immediate fan concern and debate. Some fans questioned why her team allowed her to leave the building in such a loose-fitting top, while others defended her right to dress comfortably without facing online ridicule.