Met Gala Misses: A Star-Studded Event With Notable Absences
The first Monday of May arrived in New York City with a downpour, but the rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of those attending the annual Met Gala. Celebrities, designers, and fashion enthusiasts flocked to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, dressed to the nines in interpretations of this year’s theme: "Tailored for You," inspired by the Costume Institute’s "Superfine" exhibit and challenging attendees to put their bespoke spin on the spiffiness of dandyism. Despite the dazzling display of haute couture and the presence of A-listers like Zendaya, Sydney Sweeney, and a last-minute arrival from Rihanna, the evening was marked by several significant absences.
While chairs Pharrell Williams, Usher, A$AP Rocky, Lewis Hamilton and Colman Domingo graced the red carpet, several of the fundraiser’s biggest style icons were conspicuously missing. From long-time attendees to highly anticipated debuts, the list of absentees sparked curiosity and speculation about the reasons behind their non-attendance.
One of the most notable names missing was Blake Lively, a Met Gala mainstay known for her show-stopping ensembles. This marked the third consecutive year Lively skipped the event, and the article mentioned ongoing legal battles with actor Justin Baldoni as a possible reason. Lively’s absence was particularly felt given her history of making unforgettable fashion statements on the Met steps. Her 2022 Atelier Versace gown, a tribute to the Statue of Liberty that transformed to reveal the patina of the iconic monument, remains a memorable moment. She and husband Ryan Reynolds were co-chairs that year, further highlighting her significance to the event. Ryan Reynolds was also not in attendance.
Another highly anticipated appearance that never materialized was that of Taylor Swift and her boyfriend, Travis Kelce. Speculation had been rampant about whether the pop superstar would return to the Met Gala red carpet with her new beau. Swift, who made her Met Gala debut in 2008, last attended in 2016, when she co-chaired the event alongside Jony Ive, Idris Elba, and Vogue Editor-in-Chief Anna Wintour. That year’s theme, "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," saw Swift don a custom metallic minidress by Louis Vuitton, complete with black lipstick, strappy heels, and a platinum bob. The reason for their absence remains a mystery, leaving fans to wonder when Swift might grace the Met Gala steps once more.
Beyoncé, another fixture at the annual gala, has not attended since 2016. In her last appearance, she wore a custom latex Givenchy gown adorned with a constellation of floral and bead embellishments. The songstress is currently on tour with her long-awaited "Cowboy Carter and the Rodeo Chitlin Circuit Tour," which could explain her absence. However, her sister, Solange Knowles, was present, representing the family at the event.
LeBron James was slated to make his Met Gala debut this year, even serving as an honorary chair of the host committee. However, just hours before the event, he announced his withdrawal due to a knee injury sustained during the Los Angeles Lakers’ playoff series. While James couldn’t attend, his wife, Savannah James, proudly represented the couple on the red carpet. James expressed his disappointment on X, stating, "Hate to miss an historical event! My beautiful powerful Queen will be there holding the castle down as she always has done!"
Lady Gaga, known for her dramatic and theatrical fashion choices, was also absent from this year’s event. The actor-singer last attended the Met Gala in 2019, where she served as a co-chair and delivered an unforgettable performance on the red carpet. Gaga’s 2019 appearance featured a sequence of four looks, beginning with a massive fuchsia gown by Brandon Maxwell and culminating in a black bra and underwear set with glittery stockings. Her absence this year left a void for those who eagerly anticipate her boundary-pushing style.
Ariana Grande also skipped the event, leaving her "Wicked" co-star Cynthia Erivo to walk the red carpet solo. Last year, Grande and Erivo, who play Glinda and Elphaba, respectively, in the upcoming film adaptation, attended the Met Gala together to promote their project. This year, Erivo was seen posing with Doja Cat and Marc Jacobs, highlighting the interconnectedness of the celebrity world despite Grande’s absence.
Prince Harry and Duchess Meghan, despite residing in the United States since 2020, have never attended the Met Gala. The couple, who recently attended the TIME100 summit in New York City, appear to be focusing on their individual projects. Meghan is reemerging with a Netflix show, "With Love," and a lifestyle brand, "As Ever," as well as hosting a popular podcast, "Confessions of a Female Founder." Harry is also set to become a Netflix star, producing a program that offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of professional polo. Their continued absence from the Met Gala suggests a deliberate choice to pursue different avenues of influence and visibility.
Adding another layer to the list of absentees, Black fashion influencer and model Wisdom Kaye revealed that he was not invited, despite the theme centering around Black dandyism. Kaye expressed his disappointment on X, writing, "I was not invited to the met, I know you guys wanna see me there so just letting yall know. Looking forward to seeing all the beautiful interpretations of black dandyism tmrw :)." His exclusion sparked conversation about inclusivity and representation within the fashion industry, particularly when celebrating Black culture.
The Kardashian-Jenner clan saw a mixed attendance. Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, and Kendall Jenner were present, while Kris Jenner, Khloe Kardashian, and Kourtney Kardashian missed the event. Kourtney and Khloe last attended in 2022, and Kris was present last year. The ever-changing dynamics of the family’s presence at the Met Gala reflect their individual priorities and commitments.
Jennifer Lopez and Sarah Jessica Parker, both Met Gala regulars, were also notably absent. Parker, who attended last year’s gala in a Richard Quinn ensemble, cited work commitments as the reason for her absence. She told Entertainment Tonight, "I have to work, but there’s gonna be so much to see, and I look forward to seeing what everybody does. And I can’t wait to see how they interpret the theme and the sort of homework they did for the assignment." Lopez’s absence remains unexplained, leaving fans to speculate about the reasons behind her missing the fashion extravaganza.
While the Met Gala 2025 was undoubtedly a glamorous affair, the absence of these high-profile figures left a noticeable void. Whether due to scheduling conflicts, personal reasons, or other undisclosed factors, their absence served as a reminder that even the most coveted events are subject to the complexities of celebrity life. The reasons behind their non-attendance will likely remain a topic of discussion among fashion enthusiasts and celebrity watchers alike, adding another layer of intrigue to the annual fashion spectacle.
