Celebrity
Tyla Breaks Silence on Viral Rihanna Met Gala Awkward Moment
There were many uncomfortable interactions that occurred at this year’s high-fashion event. But one specific moment that has taken the internet by storm was the seemingly stiff encounter between rising star Tyla and fashion icon Rihanna.
John Shearer / Getty Images, Julian Hamilton / Getty Images
In viral footage that has been shared numerous times across TikTok and X, Tyla could be seen standing awkwardly near Rihanna, who was busy speaking with a reporter on the carpet.
Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty Images
Although it looks to many observers like she wasn’t even aware that the “Water” singer was standing behind her, many internet users quickly accused Rihanna of completely snubbing the 24-year-old. The clip has sparked massive debate regarding celebrity etiquette.
What’s Rihanna’s problem with Tyla.. ??I didn’t know she could be such a loser..
— Baby (@Koketso__) May 6, 2026
Wait! Is that event the first time Rihanna and Tyla met? What could have happened? Could it be that Rihanna wasn’t in a good mood or Tyla was just feeling awkward?
— OLAMIDE 🌸💖 (@Olamide0fficial) May 6, 2026
Rih told tyla “got no change sorry sista” and kept it pushing
— HEEDlE (@Heyheedie) May 6, 2026
Now, Tyla has addressed the viral encounter in a new TikTok video to set the record straight. She began by clearly stating, “Everyone knows I love Rih,” before revealing that she actually met the Fenty Beauty mogul on a previous occasion.
@hernametyla / Via tiktok.com
“I met her last year and she was cool… I met her, but I think she was occupied,” she revealed to her followers. “I went up to her, I was like, ‘Oh, hey!’ She was like, ‘Hey, um, my baby daddy’s calling me.’ And then she left.”
Theo Wargo / Getty Images
Going on to discuss the recent Met Gala interaction, Tyla shared, “I felt awkward, I don’t know how to say hi. If I feel like someone’s busy, it’s like, mmm. So this time, I was waiting for my car and she was right there… I didn’t want to go up, because I felt like she was busy.”
She added, “If we do end up speaking ever, I want it to be, like, calm, so we both can just, you know, vibe, and talk nicely.”
@hernametyla
While the internet spazzes over nothing again
♬ SHE DID IT AGAIN (feat. Zara Larsson) – Tyla
@hernametyla / Via tiktok.com
Tyla’s video has since racked up over 2 million views on TikTok, and it has sparked some very mixed reactions among the fanbases.
Dimitrios Kambouris / Getty Images
Some people have questioned Tyla’s intentions with posting the explanation video, arguing that it comes across as “very unprofessional” or “childish” to air out the interaction.
@hernametyla / Via tiktok.com
Another TikTok user commented on the situation, saying, “Girl she doesn’t owe you anything. Move on.”
But on the flip side, several people took no issue with Tyla’s video, instead praising the way she respected Rihanna’s space and boundaries during a chaotic night. “So she saw Rih was not in the mood and she respected her.. internet is really a mess because people blew this out of proportion,” one top comment read. “She saw that she was not in the mood and respected her,” someone else agreed.
@hernametyla / Via tiktok.com
It seems the internet remains divided on whether this was a genuine snub or just a case of bad timing. Let us know what you think in the comments below!
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
Met Gala 2026 Athletes: Best Red Carpet Fashion & Outfits
Paul Anthony Kelly Beyoncé Controversy: Met Gala Drama Erupts
Why Men Are Obsessed With Ella Langley and the Ella Fellas
20 Dirty Song Lyrics We Didn’t Understand Until We Were Older
Jennifer Lopez Called Mean: Reality Star Shares Diva Story
Shakira 2026 World Cup Song: Official Burna Boy Collab News
Could You Beat Up Donald Trump? This Viral Poll Is Insane!
Timothée Chalamet Skips Met Gala for Knicks Game With Kylie
Sabrina Carpenter & Madonna Coachella Crowd Sparks Backlash
Kylie Jenner Weeps After Watching KUWTK Pilot With Stormi
26 Painfully Awkward Celebrity Encounters That’ll Give You Secondhand Embarrassment
A Psychologist’s Guide to Narcissism: Strategies to Stop Trump
12 Actors Who Shared Awkward Details Filming Solo Sex Scenes
Unedited Met Gala 2026 Photos: Celebs Without Photo Filters
-
Celebrity3 days agoTimothée Chalamet Skips Met Gala for Knicks Game With Kylie
-
Celebrity2 weeks agoSabrina Carpenter & Madonna Coachella Crowd Sparks Backlash
-
Celebrity1 month agoKylie Jenner Weeps After Watching KUWTK Pilot With Stormi
-
Celebrity1 month ago26 Painfully Awkward Celebrity Encounters That’ll Give You Secondhand Embarrassment
-
News1 month agoA Psychologist’s Guide to Narcissism: Strategies to Stop Trump
-
Celebrity2 weeks ago12 Actors Who Shared Awkward Details Filming Solo Sex Scenes
-
Celebrity4 days agoUnedited Met Gala 2026 Photos: Celebs Without Photo Filters
-
Celebrity1 month ago2026 Celebrity Breakups: Every Famous Couple Who Split So Far