Get all your news in one place.
100's of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
The Independent UK
The Independent UK
Rachel McGrath

Met Gala controversy explained: why stars snubbed this year’s protested event and 2026 theme

Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and Beyoncé were among the A-listers who hit the red carpet at Monday night’s Met Gala – but the annual fundraiser was somewhat overshadowed by controversy this year, as numerous big names skipped the event amid criticism of its co-chairs.

Overseen by former Vogue editor Anna Wintour, who now serves as global chief content officer for publisher Condé Nast, the gala raises millions of dollars for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute.

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100's of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.