Show Quick Read<\/span> <\/p>\n Key points generated by AI, verified by newsroom<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div><\/div>\n Controversies have always been one of the most talked-about aspects of the film industry. Whether it\u2019s Hollywood or Bollywood, the truth is that controversies remain a constant part of the spotlight. They often make the industry feel more relevant, as people tend to associate celebrities with glamour, and when there\u2019s glamour, gossip is never far behind. Where gossip exists, controversy naturally follows.<\/span><\/p>\n With the much-anticipated Met Gala around the corner, it is the perfect time to look back at some of the most talked-about controversies and unexpected moments from the event over the years. From heated arguments to surprising exits and even shocking returns, here are seven of the most controversial Met Gala moments.<\/span><\/p>\n Remember when Selena Gomez and The Weeknd made their Met Gala debut as a couple? It instantly grabbed attention because The Weeknd\u2019s ex, Bella Hadid, was also present at the same event. The situation created quite a buzz among fans and media.<\/span><\/p>\n ALSO READ | Ranveer Allahbadia Announces Documentary On ‘Latent’ Row After Reunion With Samay Raina On Kapil’s Show<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) wore a dress with the phrase \u201cTax the Rich\u201d printed on it at the 2021 Met Gala, which quickly became controversial.<\/span><\/p>\n The outfit sparked debate, especially because attending the Met Gala costs around 30,000 Dollars per guest – even though celebrities typically don\u2019t pay for their tickets themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n Responding to the backlash, she said, <\/span>\u201cThe medium is the message. Proud to work with Aurora James as a sustainably focused, Black woman immigrant designer who went from starting her dream Brother Vellies at a flea market in Brooklyn to winning the CFDA against all odds and then work together to kick open the doors at the Met. The time is now for childcare, healthcare, and climate action for all. Tax the Rich. And yes, BEFORE anybody starts wilding out \u2013 NYC elected officials are regularly invited to and attend the Met due to our responsibilities in overseeing our city\u2019s cultural institutions that serve the public. I was one of several in attendance. Dress is borrowed via Brother Vellies.\u201d<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n ALSO READ | Trisha Visits Vijay\u2019s Chennai Home As TVK Leads In Tamil Nadu: WATCH<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In 2016, Lena Dunham sparked controversy after revealing an interaction with football player Odell Beckham Jr., who was seated next to her at the event. She claimed he ignored her, saying, <\/span>\u201cIt was like he looked at me and determined I was not the shape of a woman by his standards\u2026 He was scrolling Instagram rather than talking.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Her comments received backlash, after which she apologised, admitting she had projected her own insecurities and made unfair assumptions.<\/span><\/p>\n Odell later responded briefly, commenting, \u201cIt\u2019s life\u2026 I don\u2019t have much to say about that.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In 2014, prankster Vitalii Sediuk attempted to crash the Met Gala red carpet wearing a Borat-style mankini. However, security quickly intervened and tackled him before he could make it onto the carpet.<\/span><\/p>\n Singer Demi Lovato attended the 2016 Met Gala but left early after having a negative experience with another celebrity.<\/span><\/p>\n In a 2018 interview, she said,\u00a0 \u201cI had a terrible experience\u2026 This one celebrity was a complete bitch and miserable to be around. It was very cliquey.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n She added that she felt so uncomfortable that she wanted to drink, which led her to leave and attend a 10 PM AA meeting instead. <\/span>Demi later criticised the fashion industry for being fake and mentioned that she related more to people at the meeting than those at the Met Gala.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Kim Kardashian\u2019s Met Gala journey also stirred controversy. For years, she was reportedly not invited because Anna Wintour did not want reality TV stars at the event.<\/span><\/p>\n However, Kim finally made her Met Gala debut in 2013, attending alongside her then-partner Kanye West, marking a major turning point.<\/span><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n At the 2017 Met Gala, several celebrities were seen smoking in the bathroom, violating New York City\u2019s Smoke-Free Air Act. Some even posted pictures online, which led to backlash.<\/span><\/p>\n The New York Health Department expressed disappointment, with Commissioner Dr. Mary T. Bassett stating, \u201cWe were dismayed to read reports that some celebrities chose smoking as their fashion accessory and violated New York City\u2019s smoking laws.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Smoking in the girls room #metgala<\/a> @chardefrancesco<\/a> @Courtney<\/a> @alka_seltzer666<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/hkNtBtDYzb<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Marc Jacobs (@themarcjacobs) May 2, 2017<\/a> <\/p>\n The Met later responded, saying it was only a small number of guests and assured that such incidents would not happen again.<\/span><\/p>\n \n
Here Are The 7 Most Controversial Moments From The Met Gala Over The Years<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Selena Gomez And The Weeknd<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"(Image](\"https:\/\/feeds.abplive.com\/onecms\/images\/uploaded-images\/2026\/05\/04\/4be0858709c16e016a91fac0e5efd63d17778945342631090_original.png\")
(Image Source: Pinterest\/srp352) <\/p>\nAlexandria Ocasio-Cortez\u2019s \u2018Tax The Rich\u2019 Dress<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"(Image](\"https:\/\/feeds.abplive.com\/onecms\/images\/uploaded-images\/2026\/05\/04\/885a1d3b310ed61024cb4df0d51fb26e17778946373111090_original.png\")
(Image Source: Pinterest\/stephanietrelog) <\/p>\nLena Dunham\u2019s Comments About Odell Beckham Jr.<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"(Image](\"https:\/\/feeds.abplive.com\/onecms\/images\/uploaded-images\/2026\/05\/04\/5ed97530ee225fec64aa17a7b1aea8bf17778948783351090_original.png\")
(Image Source: Pinterest\/sarapalmilha, espn) <\/p>\nWhen The Streaker Crashed The Red Carpet<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"(Image](\"https:\/\/feeds.abplive.com\/onecms\/images\/uploaded-images\/2026\/05\/04\/b45d57d53939e538df5d180330ad38bb17778969517011090_original.png\")
(Image Source: Pinterest\/derekzagami) <\/p>\nDemi Lovato Left The Event<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"(Image](\"https:\/\/feeds.abplive.com\/onecms\/images\/uploaded-images\/2026\/05\/04\/07dbd4322fbef89d29856a7df66d8e9c17778959002031090_original.png\")
(Image Source: Pinterest\/wwd) <\/p>\nKim Kardashian Appeared On The Carpet After Being Banned\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
![\"(Image](\"https:\/\/feeds.abplive.com\/onecms\/images\/uploaded-images\/2026\/05\/04\/79c453ad6fbec8d940814497fbdd17b517778960230541090_original.png\")
(Image Source: Pinterest\/hil_loki) <\/p>\nCelebrities Receive Backlash For Smoking In The Bathroom<\/span><\/h2>\n