Met Gala Throwback- From Kim Kardashian to Rihanna: The wildest controversies you forgot about

As the fashion world gears up for the Met Gala 2025, it’s the perfect time to revisit some of the most jaw-dropping, eyebrow-raising controversies from past galas. While the Met is known for its showstopping fashion and opulent guest list, it's also seen its fair share of drama, the kind that lives rent-free in pop culture history.

From historic fashion faux pas to full-blown celebrity scandals, here’s a throwback to the Met Gala moments we’ll never forget (even if they’d like us to).

Kim Kardashian and the Marilyn Monroe Dress Debacle (2022)

When Kim Kardashian walked the 2022 Met Gala red carpet in Marilyn Monroe’s iconic "Happy Birthday, Mr. President" dress, she made headlines instantly but not just for the sparkle. Fashion historians and preservationists were outraged, accusing her of endangering an irreplaceable piece of American history.

Despite claims from Ripley’s Believe It or Not! (who loaned the dress) that no damage occurred, photos later circulated suggesting missing crystals and stretched fabric. Critics called it "irresponsible" and "a stunt for attention," sparking a worldwide debate about celebrity privilege versus cultural preservation.

Rihanna’s "Papal" Look Sparks Religious Backlash (2018)

Rihanna is no stranger to pushing boundaries, and in 2018 at the Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination themed gala, she delivered one of her most unforgettable looks: a custom Maison Margiela outfit complete with a papal mitre.

While fashion lovers hailed her as the unofficial "Pope of the Met," others were less enthusiastic. Religious groups accused the Met Gala of trivializing sacred symbols, igniting heated debates about appropriation and reverence versus artistic expression. Still, Rihanna reigned supreme controversy and all.

Solange, Jay-Z, and the Elevator Incident (2014)

No Met Gala retrospective is complete without mentioning the elevator. After the 2014 Gala, leaked security footage showed Solange Knowles physically attacking Jay-Z in an elevator at The Standard Hotel while Beyoncé silently watched. No audio, no explanations, just chaos that fueled endless theories about what sparked the altercation.

The footage became a cultural phenomenon overnight, overshadowing every fashion headline. Beyoncé later referenced the drama in her music, but the real story remains one of Hollywood’s best-kept secrets.

The (Fake) Jason Derulo Fall (2015)

Every Met Gala spawns memes, but the Jason Derulo saga might be the most hilarious. In 2015, a photo circulated showing a man in a white tuxedo tumbling down a massive staircase, with captions claiming it was Derulo making a disastrous entrance.

In reality? The photo wasn’t even from the Met Gala and it wasn’t Jason Derulo. Still, the image went wildly viral, becoming part of the gala’s unofficial lore and proving that, sometimes, fake news is just too good to fact-check.

Kendall and Kylie Jenner’s Polarizing Invites (2019)

When Keeping Up With the Kardashians royalty Kendall and Kylie Jenner appeared in bold Versace looks at the 2019 Gala (Camp: Notes on Fashion), they looked every bit the part. But not everyone was thrilled.

Fashion insiders grumbled that the Met was prioritizing celebrity over credibility, with long-time designers and editors reportedly losing invitations while influencers and reality stars rose to the forefront. The debate about the Met’s shifting guest list still lingers, raising questions about the gala’s future: high fashion showcase or Hollywood PR machine?

Zendaya’s "Disney on the Red Carpet" Moment (2019)

Zendaya dazzled fans with a real-life Cinderella transformation at the 2019 Met Gala, her Tommy Hilfiger gown lighting up on the red carpet thanks to hidden technology. While many praised the theatricality, some fashion critics scoffed, calling it more "Disney parade" than high fashion.

Zendaya, always in on the joke, later “lost” her glass slipper on the steps sealing the moment as one of the night’s most memorable (and hotly debated) highlights.

The Met Gala has never been just about fashion, it’s about storytelling, provocation, and yes, a little scandal. As we look ahead to the 2025 Met Gala, one thing is certain: no matter how many diamonds sparkle on the red carpet, the real gems are often found in the drama we never see coming.