8 celebrities who got blacklisted, blasted the Met Gala or refused to go back

When the elite gathers at the Metropolitan Museum of Art for the much-anticipated Met Gala on the first Monday of May, some well-known personalities will choose not to attend, but only one individual is barred from the event by decree and not by preference.

The individual barred from attending was named by Chair Anna Wintour herself in 2017, though others have also criticized the event in the past.

The most recent prominent figure to voice opposition to the Met Gala was John F. Kennedy and Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ sole grandson, Jack Schlossberg.

So who is the one renowned person prohibited from the Met Gala, who else chooses not to attend, and who has publicly criticized the gala in the past? Here’s everything to know about the prestigious celebrity fashion event’s list of non-attendees.

Donald Trump

Donald Trump is the only person explicitly forbidden from ever attending the Met Gala.

During a 2017 interview on The Late Late Show with James Corden, the host queried Wintour on who would never be welcomed back to the prestigious event.

Without hesitation, she responded, “Donald Trump.”

Tina Fey

In a 2015 interview on The Late Show with David Letterman, Tina Fey labeled the Met Gala, which she graced once in 2010, a “jerk parade.”

“I attended and reluctantly brought my husband along, which still bothers him,” she explained to the host. “Everyone's there, everyone. If you had a million hands, all the people you wish to punch are all present."

"Obviously, I won't be attending again,” she concluded.

Jack Schlossberg

Inspired by his late grandfather’s commitment to social change, Schlossberg initiated a Met Gala boycott across social media in 2025.

“I’m Jack. I enjoy a good party and I’ve been to the Met Gala,” he revealed in a TikTok video. “I had a wonderful experience. However, given all the issues worldwide and domestically this year, I cannot attend the Met Gala in good conscience."

Lili Reinhart

After seemingly criticising Kim Kardashian for contributing to diet culture by cutting calories to fit into Marilyn Monroe’s iconic “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” dress for the 2022 Met Gala, Lili Reinhart expressed doubt about being invited back to the event.

Following the gala, Reinhart appeared to address Kardashian on her Instagram Stories.

Zayn Malik

Zayn Malik made an appearance at the 2016 Met Gala with his former partner, Gigi Hadid.

However, the former One Direction singer declared he would not attend again because he perceives the gala as a hollow showcase of celebrity.

In a 2018 discussion with GQ, Malik stated, “Currently, it’s not something I’d participate in. I'd rather stay at home engaged in something productive than adorning myself in pricey clothing for red carpet photos.”

The artist further added, “Engaging in the self-serving ‘Admire me, I’m wonderful’ approach on the red carpet doesn’t align with who I am.”

Tim Gunn

According to Tim Gunn, he was blacklisted from the Met Gala back in 2016 following a disagreement with Wintour.

“I was questioned, ‘What is the most unforgettable thing you’ve encountered in fashion?’ And I replied, ‘It’s straightforward. It was observing Anna Wintour being carried down five floors by two bodyguards — two enormous men — at a fashion event,' ” the former Project Runway host recounted to E!.

Gunn remarked that he and the fashion icon have been in an "open feud" since.

Amy Schumer

Similar to Malik, Amy Schumer shunned the Met Gala for its immense extravagance.

During a 2016 interview with Howard Stern, the comedian noted, “It’s people pretending to have a conversation. I detest the pretense ... We’re decked out like a bunch of fools. I can’t stand it.”

She added, I have no interest in fashion ... I don’t care.”

Nonetheless, Schumer attended the fashion spectacle the following year and also in 2022.

Demi Lovato

In 2018, Demi Lovato recounted her unpleasant experience at the 2016 Met Gala that made her contemplate relapsing.

In a conversation with Billboard, Lovato shared that she immediately went to an Alcoholics Anonymous meeting after the event.

Despite this, she returned to the event in 2024.