Despite the glittering presence of many iconic figures, several high-profile celebrities chose not to attend the 2025 Met Gala. Among them were Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who opted out due to a legal dispute with co-star Justin Baldoni. Similarly, Beyoncé, embarking on her Cowboy Carter Tour, and LeBron James, recovering from a knee injury, both missed the event. Other notable absentees included Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, choosing personal downtime over red carpet appearances. Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco were also absent, possibly focusing on their new album. Khloé Kardashian stayed home with her children, while Gisele Bündchen prioritized her newborn baby. Naomi Campbell, despite receiving an invitation, declined for undisclosed reasons. Additional absences include WNBA star Paige Bueckers, SZA, Justin Bieber, Ariana Grande, Olivia Rodrigo, Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Kris Jenner, each citing various personal or professional commitments.
Detailed Insights into Celebrity Non-Attendance
In the vibrant world of fashion and celebrity gatherings, the 2025 Met Gala stood as a beacon of elegance and creativity, yet several luminaries were notably absent. The couple Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds made headlines not for their appearance but for their absence, reportedly avoiding the spotlight amidst ongoing legal tensions. Meanwhile, in a different sphere, Queen Beyoncé, who has not graced the Met steps for nearly a decade, was once again absent, dedicating her time to her newly launched tour series. LeBron James, originally set to co-chair the gala, withdrew due to a knee ailment, leaving his wife Savannah to represent them solo.
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, often seen together in public, preferred private relaxation over attending the prestigious event. Over in the music industry, Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco skipped the gala, possibly busy promoting their latest musical project. Khloé Kardashian, unlike her sisters Kim and Kendall, remained at home with her family, enjoying quality time away from the limelight. Supermodel Gisele Bündchen, having recently expanded her family, understandably chose to stay close to home. Naomi Campbell, although invited, decided against attending for reasons left undisclosed, yet she celebrated the occasion via social media tributes.
Among athletes, Paige Bueckers, the year's top WNBA draft pick, was unable to make her debut at the gala, immersed in her pre-season games. Pop sensation SZA and musician Justin Bieber were also missing, perhaps dealing with personal matters. Bella Hadid’s absence added to the list of non-attendees, alongside Ariana Grande, who needed rest after a demanding promotional season. Additionally, actors Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld, exhausted from their Sinners press tours, did not appear. Finally, matriarch Kris Jenner, though absent, likely enjoyed the event vicariously through her daughters’ experiences.
As journalists and readers reflect on the gala, it becomes evident that behind every absence lies a compelling narrative of personal choices and professional obligations. The decision to step back from such a significant event highlights the importance of balance in the lives of these public figures. It underscores the necessity for individuals, even those under constant scrutiny, to prioritize health, family, and career commitments over societal expectations. This perspective offers valuable insight into the pressures faced by celebrities and reinforces the idea that stepping away from the spotlight can be as meaningful as shining within it.