5 Celebrities Who Are Banned from the Met Gala and 5 Who Just Dont Want to Go

5 Celebrities Who Are Banned from the Met Gala and 5 Who Just Don’t Want to Go

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down our picks for the celebs who are allegedly not welcome at the Met Gala and those who’d prefer to sit it out.

#5: Doesn’t Want to Go: SZA

This artist graced the 2022 Met Gala in a vibrant avant-garde pink Vivienne Westwood dress, paired with Atsuko Kudo latex accessorises and a statement hat. Despite her show-stopping appearance, she admitted the outfit was more of a spur-of-the-moment choice and confessed she wasn't much of a fan of it. She also said she found the red carpet overwhelming, triggering anxiety as she struggled with her discomfort. She revealed that she found it all so stressful that she quietly slipped away, dodging the cameras and sneaking off into the night. It was only after she was in the clear that she swiftly hailed a cab and made a beeline for her hotel.

#5: Banned: Josh Hartnett

Banned may be a strong word here. While this 90s teen idol has attended in the past, since he failed to make much of a splash in the 2010s, Vogue decided to show him the door and bolt it tight behind him. Apparently, Calvin Klein was interested in dressing him for the 2016 event but was told he was not invited. In fact, one Vogue employee allegedly said ever so savagely, “What has he done lately?” Ouch! Imagine being told you’re not welcome at a major event because you’re irrelevant! Well, Harnett made a comeback in 2023’s “Oppenheimer,” so Vogue might just have to eat their words.

#4: Doesn’t Want to Go: Jennifer Garner

The last time Jennifer Garner walked the Met Gala red carpet was back in 2007 when she wore a floor-length red gown designed by her date for the night, Valentino Garavani. While she looked absolutely breathtaking, it sounds like she has no intention of going back. During a “Beauty Routine” video for Vogue, the actress revealed that she found getting ready for the event and attending with such an icon “really majestic and special.” Sounds promising to us! So, what’s kept her away from the red carpet for all these years? Well, apparently, she found the whole event kinda “scary.” Well, you know what they say, celebs, they’re just like us!

#4: Banned: Lili Reinhart

The “Riverdale” actress has attended the event three times in 2018, 2019, and 2021 and has even admitted that she found the event quite enjoyable. However, in 2022, she took to social media to vent about this celeb who had been chatting away about their extreme diet and workout routine just to fit into their Gala gown. She didn’t name names, but come on, we all knew who she meant. That same year, Kim Kardashian made headlines for wearing Marilyn Monroe’s iconic dress and openly discussing her efforts to fit into it. So, after calling her out, Reinhart had a feeling it might have cost her a Met Gala invite.

#3: Doesn’t Want to Go: Zayn Malik

Despite being a member of one the biggest boy bands of the 21st century, Zayn Malik prefers to live his life away from the spotlight. Is there a bigger spotlight than the Met Gala? You might remember that the singer attended in 2016 with his then-partner, Gigi Hadid— those robot arms really were something! Yet, in the following years, Hadid attended solo, sparking speculation that maybe Zayn wasn't on the guest list anymore. Then, in 2018, during a profile interview with GQ, Malik called the Gala “self-indulgent,” suggesting he had better things to do with his time and adding, “Now, it’s not something I would go to.”

#3: Banned: Jameela Jamil

As of 2024, “The Good Place” actress has never been to the Met Gala. Although it sounds like she may think it’s a “Bad Place” anyway. In 2023, the theme of the event was “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty.” Lagerfeld has practically always been a controversial figure known for his distasteful comments on women, migrants, minorities, the

#metoo movement, and more. Jamil didn’t mince her words, taking aim at “famous feminists” who seemed to overlook their principles to honor Lagerfeld’s legacy. Again, while it’s all speculative, critics who speak out against the event seem to find themselves left off the guest list. Coincidence? You be the judge!

#2: Doesn’t Want to Go: Amy Schumer

Despite having attended a few times, Schumer confessed to Howard Stern that receiving an invitation felt more like a “punishment.” Her debut in 2016 showcased her in a radiant Alexander Wang ensemble, yet she wasted no time seeking an exit strategy. Even rubbing shoulders with Beyoncé couldn’t sway her from feeling out of place, joking to the singer that it was both her first and last Gala. Schumer has admitted that fashion isn’t something she really connects with, and events like this often feel like a charade. She returned in 2022, this time embracing a more relaxed attitude towards the affair. Still, we doubt she’ll be rushing back anytime soon.

#2: Banned: Donald Trump

While most celeb bannings are just speculation, this one comes from Anna Wintour herself. On “The Late Late Show’s” segment “Spill Your Guts or Fill Your Guts,” she faced the choice of eating pickled pig’s feet or revealing if anyone was unwelcome at the Met Gala. Luckily for Wintour, the decision was a no brainer. Trump has attended the Gala multiple times and reportedly never changed his look from year to year. However, it appears his Met Gala days are over, so his outfit can just sit gathering dust in the closet. We also don’t think it’s a coincidence that Melania or Ivanka haven’t been seen at the event as of late, either.

Before we unveil our top pick, here are a couple of honorable mentions.

Doesn’t Want to Go: Gwyneth Paltrow
The Actress Described the Event As “Boiling” “Too Crowded” & “Un-fun”

Banned: Rachel Zoe
Suggesting You Have More Influence than the Anna Wintour May Cost You a Temporary Ban

#1: Doesn’t Want to Go: Tina Fey

The former “SNL” alum has only been to the Met Gala once, back in 2015. She wore a chic jumpsuit that gracefully sidestepped the Gala's controversial “China: Through the Looking Glass” theme. She recounted the experience during an interview with David Letterman and did not mince her words. Liz Lemon, is that you? Anyway, Fey certainly paints a colorful picture of her experience. In fact, it sounds a bit like her outing was more like “Tina Fey: Through the Looking Glass.” She makes it sound like something you have to attend at least once to understand how bizarre it all is, but it also sounds like once was more than enough.

#1: Banned: Tim Gunn

As we’ve seen, just a little slip of the tongue can be tailored into a full-on fashion feud— just ask “Project Runway’s” Tim Gunn. During an appearance on “Fashion Police” back in 2016, Gunn shared the incident that ignited his feud with Wintour. Seemingly, Vogue’s editor-in-chief didn’t appreciate being the subject of Gunn’s “most unforgettable” moment and promptly booted him from the guest list. The “Fashion Police” hosts attempted to playfully even the score by having Gunn carried off in a similar fashion. Even so, as of now, his Met Gala invite is still on hold. Seems like Wintour’s not quite ready to “Make it work!” again, huh?

After hearing these stories would you want to attend the Met Gala? Let us know in the comments.