The Brief: Keke Palmer's "sorry to this man" monologue perfectly encapsulates the devastation of not being recognized.

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DEEP DIVE

“Sorry to this man” memes roast people by telling them that they are unrecognizable and insignificant. In a Vanity Fair video “Keke Palmer Takes A Lie Detector Test,” Hustlers and True Jackson VP actress Keke Palmer was asked about former Vice President Dick Cheney. After being shown a photo of him, she said:

“I hate to say it, I hope I don’t sound ridiculous. I don’t know who this man is. I mean he could be walking down the street I wouldn’t – I wouldn’t know a thing. Sorry to this man.”

A clip of this statement has been turned into a meme, showing how devastating of a burn it is to be unknown. “Sorry to this man” memes also convey how petty people can be when it comes to friendship and clout. Just as Keke lets on how unimportant Dick Cheney is to her, this meme can be applied to show how little someone cares about a person or thing.

Keke has embraced the meme, reposting a version of it on her Instagram and selling merch with the phrase “sorry to this man” printed on it.

Cardi B posted this video to her Instagram in response to Tekashi 6ix9ine naming her as a member of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.

Cultural impact: 

On Giuliani’s CNN meltdown and the impending Trump impeachment inquiry: