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Why Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, and more stars skipped the 2024 Met Gala

The Met Gala, often dubbed “fashion’s biggest night out,” is a pinnacle event in high fashion and celebrity culture


Shirley Gomez
Senior Writer
MAY 7, 2024 11:53 AM EDT

The Met Gala, often dubbed “fashion’s biggest night out,” is a pinnacle event in high fashion and celebrity culture. Held annually at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City to raise funds for the Costume Institute, the Gala is renowned for its extravagant themes, jaw-dropping fashion moments, and star-studded guest list.

However, in 2024, some notable names were absent from the red carpet, leaving fans speculating about their whereabouts and reasons for skipping the event.

Find out why Rihanna, Bella Hadid, Taylor Swift, and more stars didn’t send their RSVP.


Rihanna © GettyImages

Rihanna

The absence of Rihanna often hailed as the queen of the Met Gala left many disappointed. Known for her bold and innovative fashion choices, Rihanna’s no-show was attributed to the flu, as per Vogue. Despite teasing her anticipated Met Gala look in interviews before the event, illness forced the musician to bow out, leaving a void on the red carpet.


Anya Taylor-Joy
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Anya Taylor-Joy

Fans were disappointed not to see Anya Taylor-Joy grace the Met Gala red carpet in 2024. Following her premiere for “Furiosa” in Sydney, the actress embarked on a press tour in Mexico, which unfortunately coincided with the Gala. While her absence was felt, understanding prevailed as fans recognized her professional commitments elsewhere.


Taylor Swift
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Taylor Swift

Fans had eagerly anticipated Taylor Swift’s presence at the Met Gala, but the pop sensation and her partner, Travis Kelce, were absent. With Swift’s European leg of her Eras tour commencing shortly in Paris, speculations arose that the singer prioritized rest and preparation for her upcoming performances over attending the Gala.


Pedro Pascal
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Pedro Pascal

Pedro Pascal’s nonattendance left a void on the red carpet. Although the reasons behind his absence remain undisclosed, hopes remain high for his return in the future.


Bella Hadid
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Bella Hadid

A Met Gala veteran, Bella Hadid’s absence for the second consecutive year raised eyebrows. Despite being spotted in New York City promoting her new fragrance line, Ôrəbella, Hadid opted to skip the event. Reports suggest that her recent relocation to Texas alongside her partner, Adan Banuelos, may have influenced her decision.


America Ferrera
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America Ferrera

Despite her recent prominence during the press tour for “Barbie,” America Ferrera opted to forego the Met Gala this year. While fans were eager to see her showcase her style at the event, it was revealed that Ferrera had only attended the Met Gala once in 2007, making her absence less surprising to some.


Beyoncé
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Beyoncé

Once a show-stopper at the Met Gala, Beyoncé has been notably absent from the event since 2016. Despite anticipation surrounding her latest album release, “Cowboy Carter,” fans were left wanting as the superstar did not return to the iconic Met stairs. With nearly a decade since her last appearance, Gala attendees continue to feel Beyoncé‘s absence.


Hailey Bieber
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Hailey Bieber

Hailey Bieber and her husband Justin Bieber’s absence from the Met Gala for the second consecutive year disappointed fans. Known for their bold and stylish appearances, the couple’s nonattendance was noticeable. While their absence remains undisclosed, fans expressed sadness at their absence from the highly anticipated event.


Anne Hathaway
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Anne Hathaway

Known for her impeccable style and memorable appearances on the Met Gala red carpet, Anne Hathaway also skipped this year. Despite her co-star Nicholas Galitzine making his debut, Hathaway’s absence was attributed to her busy schedule, mainly due to the press tour for her upcoming movie, “The Idea of You.”


Olivia Rodrigo
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Olivia Rodrigo

Pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo was another absentee at this year’s Met Gala. Having graced the event in previous years, Rodrigo’s absence was attributed to her hectic schedule, including her sold-out worldwide “Guts” tour. With performances spanning across the globe, Rodrigo’s focus was understandably on her music career rather than attending the Gala.


Timothée Chalamet
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Timothée Chalamet

Acclaimed actor Timothée Chalamet, known for his bold fashion choices, was missed on the Met Gala red carpet this year. Amidst filming the highly anticipated Bob Dylan biopic, Chalamet’s presence at the Gala was seemingly impossible. Fans eagerly await his return to the event, hoping for another iconic fashion moment.


Katy Perry
© GettyImages

Katy Perry

Despite an image circulating on social media depicting Katy Perry at the 2024 Met Gala, the truth emerged that the image was generated using AI. Perry clarified her absence on Instagram, citing work commitments related to filming “American Idol.”