The Met Gala boasts a stellar guest list year on year and 2024's event was no different. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York was teeming with influential stars last night (Monday 6 May), including Zendaya, Tyla, Mindy Kaling and Demi Moore.
But as much as eyes were on the incredible outfits paying homage to the Garden of Time theme, it did not go amiss that there were some high-profile absentees. Met Gala regular Blake Lively skipped the annual gathering for the second year in a row, reportedly so she could spend the night at home. A woman after our own hearts.
Meanwhile, as fans willed to see a red carpet appearance from Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, the couple are understood to RSVP'd no to their individual invitations so they could avoid a night in the spotlight. That, and to also give Taylor time to prepare for her Eras tour hitting the road again. Fair enough.
Justin and Hailey Bieber sat the evening out amid the singer's documented personal struggles. He prompted concern on social media last month when he shared photos of himself crying, with a source telling Entertainment Tonight: 'Hailey has been doing her best to be there for Justin, but it is upsetting for her to see him struggle. They are doing their best to make things work and be supportive of each other. They are committed to doing whatever it takes to make things better.' The source added that the Baby hitmaker has been 'facing some difficulties lately' and 'hasn't been feeling like his usual self'.
Among the others who skipped the evening are, Pedro Pascal, Selena Gomez (who hasn't attended The Met Gala since 2018), Kristen Stewart (who has been a regular since 2010), Beyoncé (who was preoccupied with sharing a reel on Instagram) and Bridgerton actress Nicola Coughlan. Her absence was a surprise, considering she was widely rumoured to be attending with co-star Luke Newton for his Met Gala debut.
What about the Kardashian-Jenner gang? Khloé and Kourtney opted out, while Kim, Kendall and Kylie joined their mum Kris for what has become a staple appearance at the Met Gala. Khloé and Kourtney's decision to bow out was unsurprising, as they missed the event last year too.
Millie Payne is a News and Entertainment Writer for Grazia. She has specialised in showbiz interviews, features, articles and roundups for over three years and loves combining her love for writing, talking and all things popular culture.