Naomi Campbell announced she won’t be attending the 2025 Met Gala, stirring speculation about her relationship with the event’s organizer, Anna Wintour. The iconic supermodel shared her decision on Instagram on May 5, 2025, expressing her admiration for Wintour and the gala’s theme, which celebrates Black fashion. "Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight’s extraordinary celebration," Campbell wrote. "What perfect timing for the ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ theme. It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power."
Despite having graced the Met Gala red carpet 17 times before, Campbell stated she was "honored" to be invited but "regretfully cannot make it." She paid tribute to her late friend and stylist André Leon Talley, who passed away in 2022, saying, "Even though I’m not there in person, I’m with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley." Campbell, 54, also expressed her eagerness to see how attendees would mix African and European style traditions this year.
Jodie Turner-Smith, a friend of Campbell, commented on her post, saying, "MISS YOU SO MUCH!!!!! still sad you decided not to come 💔" The announcement comes on the heels of a public exchange between Campbell and Wintour, which has fueled rumors of a rift. In September 2024, Wintour publicly called out Campbell for being "late" to the 17th Fashion Row Fashion Show and Style Awards in Harlem, NY. During her acceptance speech for the Fashion Icon Award, Campbell appeared to throw shade back at Wintour, saying, "It wasn’t my choice to have Wintour give an introduction."
Wintour, 75, reportedly left the event immediately after her speech, but Campbell’s comments hinted at underlying tensions. "I am a very punctual person, and I have the honor of presenting tonight to someone who is often late," Wintour remarked during her introduction. Campbell later added, "Everything’s going to work out the way it’s going to work out. It wasn’t my choice to have the other woman," referring to Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr, who gave a second introduction.
Despite the apparent tension, Campbell acknowledged Wintour’s significant impact on her career. "We must still say thank you to Anna Wintour, as she did take the time to come here and give me the award even though I wasn’t here," Campbell said during the ceremony. "I thank you for your influence and your continuing support in pushing fashion forward also." Campbell first attended the Met Gala in 1990, wearing a stunning strapless silver gown as a guest of Gianni Versace.
While Campbell’s absence from the Met Gala has raised eyebrows, it’s not uncommon for celebrities to find themselves at odds with the event's strict standards and high-profile attendees. The Met Gala is often compared to a fashion version of the Avengers, where the most glamorous stars come together for a night of opulence and drama. However, not everyone has been able to navigate the complexities of this elite gathering successfully.
Several celebrities have found themselves banned or choosing to skip the event due to various controversies. Demi Lovato, for instance, attended the 2016 Met Gala but later described the event in an interview with Billboard as "awful" and "cliquey." Similarly, former President Donald Trump, who used to attend the gala regularly, was put on Anna Wintour's no-invite list after she stated on a talk show that she would "never invite Donald Trump back to the Met Gala."
Another notable figure, Zayn Malik, attended the 2016 Met Gala alongside Gigi Hadid, but later criticized the event, calling it "self-indulgent" and "not me." His absence from subsequent galas speaks volumes about the consequences of expressing discontent at such a high-profile event. Gwyneth Paltrow also had her share of ups and downs with the gala; after calling it "so un-fun" and "too crowded" in 2013, she swore off attending. Yet, she returned in 2017 and again in 2019, perhaps signaling a reconciliation with the event.
On the other hand, Rihanna has managed to remain a perennial favorite at the Met Gala, thanks to her incredible fashion choices and her close relationship with Wintour. Rihanna made her Met Gala debut in 2007 wearing a white Georges Chakra gown, but it was her 2015 appearance in a yellow Guo Pei cape that truly captured the public's attention and became an instant meme. Her 2018 ensemble, inspired by papal fashion and designed by Maison Margiela for the "Heavenly Bodies" theme, further solidified her status as a Met Gala icon.
As the anticipation builds for the 2025 Met Gala, Campbell's absence is felt deeply, especially given her long-standing history with the event. Her decision not to attend raises questions about the dynamics between her and Wintour, especially in light of their recent interactions. Fans and fashion lovers alike will be watching closely to see how this year's gala unfolds and how it honors the rich tapestry of Black fashion that Campbell so passionately supports.
In a world where fashion and celebrity intersect, the Met Gala remains a cultural touchstone, showcasing the evolution of style and the complexities of fame. Whether it’s feuds, friendships, or fashion statements, every year brings new stories to the forefront, and this year is no different.
