Celebrity
17 Celebrities Banned from the Met Gala or Who Refuse to Go
The Met Gala guest list is arguably the most exclusive roster in the celebrity world. For many stars, landing an invite is a career milestone; for others, they become such fixtures that the red carpet feels incomplete without them. However, a surprising number of high-profile figures are unlikely to return to the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s steps.
Here are 8 famous people who were allegedly banned or disinvited from the Met Gala:
1. In 2019, Billy Porter delivered an iconic Met Gala moment as an Egyptian sun god. While Porter’s avant-garde style—including his historic 2019 Oscars gown—made him a permanent fashion icon, fans were stunned when he was left off the guest list for the 2025 event, themed Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Speaking to SiriusXM’s Bevelations in 2026, Porter revealed, “No, I’m not going. I have not been invited. I haven’t been invited back since 2019.”
Karwai Tang / Getty Images
Porter elaborated, “That’s the only time I’ve ever gone, and I was invited by Ryan Murphy that year. Last year was Black dandyism, and I was not invited. I’m just putting it out there. I’m good, but the reality is, I don’t go where I’m not welcome. I have earned that invitation, but I’ve reached a level that doesn’t require outside validation. Staying in that mindset keeps me sane.”
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
2. Anna Wintour has officially confirmed only one person is banned from the Met Gala, and she didn’t hold back. During a 2017 appearance on The Late Late Show with James Corden, Corden asked Wintour who would never be invited back. Her immediate answer? “Donald Trump.” The audience erupted in cheers as Corden called it a “great answer.”
Patrick McMullan / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
Before the ban, Trump was a frequent attendee, appearing at the gala multiple times between the 1980s and 2012.
3. Rumors suggest that offending Wintour is a one-way ticket to the Met Gala blacklist. In 2021, Tim Gunn confirmed to Fashion Police that his disinvitation was “very true.” He explained, “It’s a crazy story. I was asked about the most unforgettable thing I’d seen in fashion, and I mentioned watching Anna Wintour being carried down five flights of stairs by two bodyguards after a fashion show. All hell broke loose, and it’s been an open war ever since.”
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images for Amazon Studios
4. In 2024, designer Rebecca Minkoff shared a story on the Two Ts in a Pod podcast about a major social faux pas involving an elevator. “I made a huge mistake taking an elevator with Jenna Lyons and Anna Wintour,” she said. “Apparently, there’s a rule that if Anna gets in, you don’t. I was chipper and said ‘Hello!’ and she just looked down in silence. It was so awkward. I’m still thinking about it 15 years later—maybe that’s why I’ve never been invited.”
Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
Minkoff noted that the “elevator incident” might have permanently stalled her relationship with the Vogue titan.
The Hapa Blonde / GC Images / Via Getty
5. Back in 2007, celebrity stylist Rachel Zoe told the New York Times that while Wintour was her hero, some said Zoe was “more influential” in moving product. Met Gala rumors immediately suggested she was banned for the comment.
Patrick McMullan / Patrick McMullan via Getty Images
If a ban existed, it was short-lived. Zoe returned to the red carpet in both 2010 and 2012.
Fairchild Archive/Penske Media via Getty Images, Larry Busacca / Getty Images
6. It’s not just Wintour that stars have to worry about; sometimes internal drama creates a rift. In 2022, Lili Reinhart slammed Kim Kardashian for promoting “disgusting” diet culture after Kardashian admitted to starving herself to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s dress. Reinhart called the behavior “toxic” and “ignorant” on Instagram.
Taylor Hill / WireImage / Via Getty
Lili later told W magazine, “After going again this year, I don’t think I’ll be invited back. I said a certain something about a certain person in a certain dress. I want to stand for something, even if it means I’m not invited to the party.”
Neilson Barnard / Getty Images
7. Not every ban involves a celebrity guest. In 2023, model Eugenio Casnighi went viral as a “hot greeter” at the event. By 2024, he claimed on TikTok that he was fired for stealing the spotlight. “They told me, ‘You made it about yourself, so we can’t have you work there anymore.’ They want models to get noticed until they actually get noticed, then they blame you.”
Taylor Hill / Getty Images
Casnighi claimed he was blamed for being in the background of photos with Kylie Jenner, despite being assigned to her for the evening.
Eugenio Casnighi / Via tiktok.com
8. The late André Leon Talley, a former Vogue creative director, was the face of the Met Gala red carpet interviews for years. However, he was reportedly replaced by YouTuber Liza Koshy in 2018. Talley believed the decision was ageist and marked the end of his friendship with Wintour.
Vogue / Via youtube.com
In his memoir The Chiffon Trenches, he wrote, “Anna should have had the decency to call me. She is not capable of simple human kindness. I swore to myself: I will never attend another Anna Wintour Met Gala for the rest of my life.”
WWD / Penske Media via Getty Images
And now, here are 9 famous people who would reject an invitation to the Met Gala:
9. In 2026, NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed he and his wife would skip the event to focus on city issues. He told Hell Gate, “My focus is on affordability and making the most expensive city in the U.S. affordable. That’s where I want to spend my time.”
Bloomberg / Bloomberg via Getty Images
10. Jack Schlossberg, a former Vogue correspondent and current congressional candidate, called for a Met Gala boycott in 2025. On TikTok, he stated, “With so much happening at home and around the world, it’s not the time for a party like that. I am boycotting the Met Gala.”
Rabbani And Solimene Photography / Getty Images
Schlossberg, who had attended previously, decided to launch his own informative network instead of attending the star-studded bash.
J. Kempin / Getty Images
11. Zayn Malik made a splash in 2016 in robotic Armani, but he hasn’t been back. He told GQ, “The Met Gala is not something I ever knew about. I’d rather be at home doing something productive than dressing up in expensive clothes to do the ‘Look at me, I’m amazing’ thing. It’s just not me.”
Karwai Tang / WireImage / Via Getty
Despite his absence, he praised his former partner Gigi Hadid, saying she “stole the night.”
Neilson Barnard / Getty Images
12. SZA attended in 2022 but left early due to intense social anxiety. “I hated my outfit. It was a mental health thing. You want to show up, but if you don’t feel confident, the comparison is unhealthy. I snuck out the back as soon as Lenny Kravitz started because my anxiety was going crazy.”
Jeff Kravitz / FilmMagic / Via Getty
SZA even admitted to walking three city blocks barefoot just to catch a yellow cab and escape the crowds.
Dia Dipasupil / WireImage / Via Getty
13. Tina Fey famously called the event a “jerk parade” after her 2010 appearance. Speaking to David Letterman, she said, “Clearly, I’ll never go again. Every jerk from every walk of life is there wearing something stupid. It’s unbelievable.”
Dimitrios Kambouris / FilmMagic / Via Getty
14. Jennifer Garner found the 2007 gala “a little scary.” Despite wearing a “magical red Valentino gown,” she told Vogue in 2023 that she simply hasn’t been back since her debut.
Evan Agostini / Getty Images
15. Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter, found the 2021 atmosphere “not her vibe.” She told Interview magazine, “You’re shoved into a room with famous people you don’t know and expected to be their friend. I felt so awkward I called my boyfriend in the middle of it.”
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
While she enjoyed her table mates, the overall social pressure was enough to keep her away.
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
16. At the 2006 gala, punk legend John Lydon (Johnny Rotten) reportedly stormed out twice because he hated his seating assignment. It allegedly took a personal intervention from Anna Wintour to get him to sit down.
WWD / Penske Media via Getty Images
17. Gwyneth Paltrow has a well-documented “love-hate relationship” with the event. In 2013, she told USA Today, “I’m never going again. It sucked. It was boiling and un-fun.”
Jamie McCarthy / Via Getty
While she eventually returned in 2019, she maintains that she will always be an “evening dress person” rather than a “costume person,” choosing comfort over the “lemon chiffon” drama of the theme.
John Shearer / Getty Images for THR
The Met Gala is officially upon us yet again, bringing high fashion and sports together in a major way. This year’s theme is Costume Art, and the official dress code is Fashion Is Art. While actors, musicians, and even politicians step out for arguably the biggest night in fashion, sports stars also show up and show out. In fact, one of this year’s Met Gala co-chairs is the legendary Venus Williams. Let’s take a look at the athletes who graced the red carpet this year!
Venus Williams
John Shearer / WireImage via Getty Images
Naomi Osaka
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
And here’s Naomi with her second look that she revealed as she ascended the steps!
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Jimmy Butler
Mike Coppola / Getty Images
Alysa Liu
Theo Wargo / FilmMagic
Angel Reese
Matt Crossick/Via Alamy
Serena Williams
Julian Hamilton / Getty Images
Dwyane Wade
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Russell Wilson
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Eileen Gu
Matt Winkelmeyer/MG26 / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
A’ja Wilson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Justin Jefferson
Kevin Mazur/MG26 / Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Joe Burrow
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Steph and Ayesha Curry
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Keep an eye out, as we’ll keep updating with more photos throughout the night at the gala. Check out the rest of our Met Gala coverage here.
Paul Anthony Kelly recently discovered a universal truth the hard way:
Michael Loccisano / Getty Images
People do not mess around when it comes to Beyoncé on Beyoncé’s internet.
Kevin Mazur / Getty Images
When Paul was questioned on the Met Gala red carpet regarding his favorite Beyoncé track, the Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette star essentially shrugged off the entire inquiry.
Rob Kim / Getty Images
“I don’t know,” he remarked while shaking his head. “I’m a metal head.”
Cindy Ord / Getty Images
His reaction has been under the social media microscope ever since. A segment of the internet is labeling his tone as dismissive:
“Like immediately and it’s not even the answer. It’s the excessive shoulder shrugs and eye rolls. Like okay miss thing we get it”
@moonniyiasvt/ Not A Real Company Productions / Via x.com
“Sometimes it’s just the tone. He looked like he had an attitude. ‘I’m sorry I’m not really an avid consumer of her music, but she seem so sweet’ would have been a good answer instead of that superiority complex he showed by saying he listens to heavy metal”
@AriesGroove81 / Via x.com
“I’m a metal head too and rarely (if ever) listen to Beyonce but I still have a favourite song of hers. It’s not that deep.”
@ultimateakasha / Via x.com
“Oh….crush cancelled.”
@cinnamonqueennn / Via x.com
“I mean, I agree with the sentiment, but the question was asked because Beyoncé is one of the heads of the gala”
@MercyBuzzard13 / Via x.com
“well he might like act iii then”
lovelanguagc / Via x.com
“Its true but at the same time im sure he could’ve named a song lmao Everybody knows atleast one Taylor or Beyonce song his idk and shrug reaction was kinda disrespectful”
@bb52521601 / Via x.com
“Arrogant, basic white guy attitude. It’s one thing not to know her songs which is fine but the way he said it sounds like he can’t even be bothered to think for a minute.”
@AthenaK11374912 / Via x.com
Meanwhile, others argue that not having a go-to Beyoncé anthem isn’t exactly a felony:
“Yess let’s normalize people having their own music taste, and not trying to ‘fit in’ In a world where everyone wants to fit in.”
@natthewarrior/ / Via x.com
“Not everyone listens to Beyonce, the hive needs to grow up.”
@Lurker_4Lyfe / Via x.com
“They’re about to drag this man for 40 days and 40 nights aren’t they”
@CandidlyCandy_ / Via x.com
“We got to stop pretending certain artists are holy gods and have to be loved and listened to by everyone! He was completely unproblematic and professional and just answered the question honestly! Get off his ass oh my goodness”
@jetteecarlottaa / Via x.com
“I don’t know who he is, but he is literally just stating he has a preference for heavier music. Why do people always have to start drama over nothing?!”
@/jadednerdyspice / Via x.com
“He wasn’t disrespectful, just real. Beyonce is iconic but not everyone’s cup of tea!.”
@chinenye_v32170 / Via x.com
Looking at one side of the coin, Beyoncé actually served as a co-chair for the Met Gala this year. Because of that, several attendees were quizzed on their favorite Bey hits, including Colman Domingo, Angela Bassett, Nicole Kidman, and Chase Infiniti. In context, the question was totally relevant, and Paul’s body language could be seen as brushing off her artistic impact.
Amy Sussman / Getty Images
On the flip side, the world of music is vast and exists far beyond the pop charts. Paul has every right to stay loyal to the genres that move him. Art is subjective by nature, after all.
Thestewartofny / Getty Images
I have a feeling the real JFK Jr. would have navigated that question with a much more diplomatic response.
Bettmann / Getty Images
What is your take on the viral drama surrounding Paul Anthony Kelly and the Beyhive? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
Country music is super IN right now.
Scott Dudelson / Getty Images for Stagecoach
And one woman in particular has been front and center…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
ELLA LANGLEY.
Michael Buckner / Penske Media via Getty Images
She recently performed at Stagecoach, and is most known for her hit song “Choosin’ Texas.”
John Shearer / Getty Images for Stagecoach
It’s probably the one song that most men are currently in love with right now.
@alexsoto040 / tiktok.com
Anyway, most women have noticed how the men in their lives can’t get enough of her:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
These men even have a name for themselves: “ELLA FELLAS”:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
And they shout it loud and proud!!!
@camj859 / tiktok.com
So, it’s no surprise TikToker @cassgracef is currently going viral for addressing what she is calling the “Ella Langley Effect.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
In her TikTok that has over a million views, she says, “No one has warned me about this Ella Langley effect and what it is doing to men. All of this happened in literally one week, and it’s insane. So the other day, I was home, and my dad was showering, and guess what he was listening to at full volume? Ella Langley, full volume to the top. I kid you not. I could hear it in my bedroom. It was so freaking loud. And I’m just like, first of all, what is he doing listening to Ella Langley, like, that’s a little crazy that he even knows who she is.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I get in the car with my fiancé, maybe the next day, honestly, maybe even the same day, and he goes, ‘Oh, let me show you this song.’ And what is it? ‘Be Her.’ Of course it is, because that’s what my dad was just listening to in the shower. I’m like, okay, cool, cool, cool. Then he goes, ‘Yeah, she’s like, the HOT—,'” @cassgracef shares before she admits she stopped him. “Whoa, whoa. Let’s back that up. Let’s back that up. I am still here. I am still present. I do still exist. So like, back that up, rescind that.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Continuing, she says, “So we talked about that, and then he was like, yeah, she’s so pretty and gorgeous. And I said, correct, I agree. Maybe not the hottest person you ever seen in your life, because [ME], but she is beautiful and gorgeous. I agree. I concur.”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m in the car with my brother, taking him somewhere, I don’t remember where, and he’s like, ‘Hey, can you play this?’ You want me to play ‘Be Her,’ like everyone else wants? Everyone? Yeah, cool, cool. What does he say? ‘Yeah, she’s, like, the hottest.’ I’m like, guys. I get it. She’s beautiful. She’s gorgeous. But all of you saying this and listening to her at the same time, kind of crazy,” she adds.
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
“Then I’m texting in one of my group chats, and one of the guys replies, saying, ‘Y’all gotta listen to this song.’ You’re kidding. You’re literally kidding. What? What does it proceed to be after that? With all the boys? She’s so hot. She’s so hot. Guys, you know who else is hot? Harry Styles. Okay, I love me some Ella Langley, don’t get me wrong, but four people saying that probably literally, within a week, I’m like, what does she have on these men? What is this effect she has going on?”
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, while some women would break up with their man after this kind of swooning…
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Most think they JUST WANNA BE HER (it’s a reference to the ‘Be Her’ song, IYKYK).
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
Oh, and lots of others would rather hear about an Ella crush vs. anything else:
@cassgracef / tiktok.com
So, as a woman who loves country music, I get it. I really do. If you know an ELLA FELLA, let us know in the comments. You can check out Ella’s music online (and I do highly recommend “Be Her”)!
Axelle/Bauer-Griffin / FilmMagic
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