Dwayne Johnson calls himself 'art and artist' while defending Met Gala outfit

Dwayne Johnson has addressed the conversation surrounding his Met Gala debut outfit, defending his decision to wear a pleated skirt by pointing to its cultural significance.

The Jumanji actor attended the 2026 Met Gala on May 4 alongside his wife, Lauren Hashian, stepping onto the red carpet in a black mohair tailcoat, bow tie, and a matching pleated skirt designed by Thom Browne.

While the look sparked discussion online, Johnson said the outfit was inspired by Polynesian traditions, where garments similar to skirts known as lavalavas are commonly worn by men.

“I feel great,” he said during a red carpet interview. “In our culture, Polynesian culture, we rock lavalavas, we rock skirts.”

He added that such attire has long been associated with strength and masculinity in his heritage.

“The most masculine men wear lavalavas and skirts,” Johnson said.

Johnson also reflected on the artistic theme of this year’s Met Gala, “Costume Art,” describing fashion as a form of self-expression. In conversation with fellow actor Colman Domingo at the event, he said the experience blurred the line between creator and creation.

“The beauty of art is sometimes it’s a walking expression,” he explained. “Am I the art or the artist? I think I’m both.”

Hashian accompanied him in a white halter-neck gown, as the couple made their appearance at fashion’s biggest night, which drew widespread attention for its bold and interpretive looks.