Glamorous Exclusions: Despite being the highly coveted event of the entertainment industry, these are the noteworthy personalities who won't grace the Met Gala's prestigious red carpet this season.
Hit the red carpet in a big way as Hollywood's brightest stars strut their stuff in high-fashion designs.
This year's event boasts stunning appearances from the likes of Dua Lipa, Sabrina Carpenter, and Zendaya. However, not everyone gets to shine under the spotlight on this extravagant night.
While some big names are purposely skipping the event, others are straight-up banned. And who's at the top of Anna Wintour's "never invited again" list? You guessed it: Kanye West.
After West's anti-Semitic rants and disruptive online behavior, Wintour, the powerhouse editor-in-chief of Vogue, has made it clear that West is no longer welcome at the Met Gala. It's been four years since his last invite, way back in 2019 when he attended with his then-wife, Kim Kardashian.
It seems West's controversial antics have burned bridges, with Radar Online reporting that a full protocol is in place in case he tries to crash the fancy party. Insiders claim that Wintour's not taking chances after West's shocking appearance at the Grammy's, where his wife, Bianca Censori, stepped out in a completely see-through nude mesh dress – sans underwear.
Donald Trump also finds himself on the "not invited" list, with this year's theme perhaps being a pointed message following Trump's presidency. Plus, who needs the drama when the fabulous fashions are stealing the spotlight?
Emil Wilbekin, an assistant professor in the marketing communication department at the Fashion Institute of Technology, explains the cultural significance of this year's theme. "It feels like a resistance," he says. "With the 'Superfine' exhibition happening during the era of Trump and the fight against diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), it's a very intellectual form of protest."
Trump's last Met Gala appearance was back in 2012 with his wife Melania. Meanwhile, Sarah Jessica Parker is skipping this year's event due to work commitments. The Sex and the City star has been a frequent attendee of the annual New York fashion event since 1995.
Will Justin Bieber and Hailey make their red carpet debut together this year? While the duo has been seen at previous Galas, there's some uncertainty about their attendance this time around. Last year, Hailey told fans she wouldn't attend the 2023 event to focus on new projects but promised to return in 2024.
Demi Lovato made a surprise appearance at last year's Met Gala, marking her first time attending in almost ten years. In 2015, Lovato candidly shared her experience of the event during an interview with Billboard, expressing her discomfort with the cliquey atmosphere and expressing a desire to attend AA meetings directly after the Gala.
As for Amy Schumer, her opinions on the event didn't get her banned, but she's made it crystal clear she's not a fan. During an interview with Howard Stern in 2016, Schumer criticized the Met Gala, calling it a "farce" and saying she doesn't enjoy the fashion world or the red carpet spectacle.
American author Tim Gunn was actually banned from the Met after he confirmed rumors in 2016. In an interview, Gunn explained that Wintour had taken offense to his remarks about her being carried down stairs by bodyguards. Gwyneth Paltrow also shared her disdain for the event, saying that it was hot, crowded, and overall disappointing when she attended in 2013. Nevertheless, she gave it another go in both 2017 and 2019.
Zayn Malik attended the 2016 Met Gala with his then-girlfriend, Gigi Hadid, but he made it clear he had no intention of returning to the event, especially now that their relationship has ended. He told GQ in 2018 that he prefers to spend his time at home working on projects rather than indulging in the self-indulgent spectacle of the red carpet.
[1] Bustle Staff (2023, May 30). How Kim Kardashian And Kanye West's Separation Might Affect The Thriving Kardashian Beauty Empire. Bustle. https://www.bustle.com/lifestyle/kim-kardashian-kanye-west-separation-kardashian-beauty-empire[2] Jones, T. (2023, August 1). Kanye West Shares Controversial Message Amid Met Gala Snub. Page Six. https://pagesix.com/2023/08/01/kanye-west-shares-controversial-message-amid-met-gala-snub/
- Kanye West's controversial behavior has led to his ban from the Met Gala since 2019, even as his ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, continues to attend.
- This year's Met Gala theme seems to be a commentary on the cultural changes and political landscape, as former President Donald Trump also finds himself on the "not invited" list.
- Fashion expert Emil Wilbekin views this year's theme as a form of intellectual protest against Trump's presidency and the fight against diversity, equity, and inclusion.
- Amy Schumer has been vocal about her dislike for the Met Gala, calling it a "farce" and expressing her disdain for the fashion world and red carpet spectacle.
