MUSIC TO THEIR EARS, SILENCE ON THE RED CARPET
It’s that time of the year when fashion’s elite gather for the most anticipated night on the calendar – the Met Gala. However, in a shocking turn of events, one of the most celebrated celebrities of our time, Justin Bieber, has made headlines for skipping this year’s star-studded event in New York City.
Hailey’s Solo Debut in 2022
Hailey and Justin Bieber were missed on the steps on the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where we got to see looks from some of their closest celebrity friends, including Kendall and Kylie Jenner. While it’s unclear what Hailey and Justin were up to, their absence from the gala did not come as a big surprise, as the “Lonely” singer has been going through a difficult time as of late, and his wife has been there to support him. Not to mention, a few days after the first Monday in May, Hailey revealed on Instagram that she and Justin are expecting their first child together—which could easily explain why they decided to skip the major event.
On May 9, the pair shared a pregnancy photo shoot on Instagram, in which Hailey was seen cradling her belly while wearing an elegant white lace dress from Saint Laurent. In the images, Justin—also in a cool Saint Laurent fit—was seen photographing his wife. The Biebers were also absent from the 2023 Met Gala, and though neither of them publicly commented on their decision to skip it, they were spotted enjoying a casual weekend together in Los Angeles a day prior.
The Rhode founder last attended the gala in 2022, when she made a solo appearance in a glamorous white backless gown accompanied by a sweeping feathered shawl designed by Saint Laurent’s Anthony Vaccarello. The angelic dress included a halter neck, a slight bustle of fabric gathered at the back, and a thigh-high slit. To finish the look off, Hailey added sheer black tights and heels with jeweled toe straps, plus plenty of diamond jewelry by Tiffany & Co.
The Power Couple’s 2021 Red Carpet Moment
At the 2021 Met Gala, Hailey and Justin attended the star-studded affair together. Hailey went for a classic look, opting for a black strapless column Saint Laurent gown with a plunging scalloped neckline trimmed with crystals. Meanwhile, Justin put forth a modern take on the traditional tuxedo, wearing a black iteration with a cropped jacket and wide-leg trousers.
Mike Coppola – Getty Images
Celebrity Insights and Reflections
Hailey on Marriage and Parenthood
Hailey previously opened up about their marriage for Harper’s BAZAAR’s September 2022 cover story. “He’s still the person that I wanna be rushing back to,” she said. “I might fly somewhere and go do a job, but I can’t wait to come back and hang out. And I feel like that’s because of the effort that’s been put in on both sides. At the end of the day, like, he’s my best friend, but it still does take a lot of work to make it work. And then I know eventually, when kids come in the picture, that’s going to be a whole other season of navigating how to make that work.”
Naomi Campbell’s Met Gala Absence
Supermodel Naomi Campbell, who revealed she’d be sitting this one out in an Instagram post. “Congratulations to Anna Wintour, the brilliant designers, the dedicated Met Gala team, and stunning attendees of tonight’s extraordinary celebration,” Naomi wrote. “I have to say, what perfect timing for the ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ theme. It really celebrates how Black dandyism has shaped fashion and how fashion has been a way for Black people to express who they are and claim their power.”
“I was so honored to be invited to tonight’s big event, but regretfully cannot make it,” she added. “Even though I’m not there in person, I’m with you all in spirit, carried by the legacy of my beloved friend, the late Andre Leon Talley. His commanding presence, vision and belief that fashion is art helped shape what the Met Gala is presenting tonight. I can’t wait to see how everyone mixes African and European style traditions on those famous steps tonight! The creativity will be amazing. “With all my love and admiration—Naomi Campbell.”
Naomi previously revealed via YouTube that she found the anxiety of attending last year’s Met Gala pretty extreme and decided it would be her last. “This is my last Met. It is my last. I can’t… I’m too old. It’s too much for me, the anxiety,” she said. “I don’t know what number this is, I think it could be either 20 or 21, can you imagine.”
Naomi also noted that—when she does attend—she is not about adhering to the Met Gala’s themes: “I don’t follow themes, sorry,” she said. “I just flow.” She’s an icon for a reason! And speaking of themes, Vogue reports that “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” will— “explore the role of sartorial style in forming Black identities, focusing on the emergence, significance, and proliferation of the Black dandy.” The outlet also notes that this is the first Costume Institute exhibition to focus on menswear since 2003’s “Men in Skirts,” which is major!
Meanwhile, the dress code is officially “Tailored for You,” which is all about embracing looks that are based off one’s personal style. We’ll miss Naomi, because no way she wouldn’t have nailed this.
Conclusion
As we delve into the reasons behind Justin Bieber’s absence at the 2025, it becomes clear that this decision is more than just a celebrity skipping an event. It’s a reflection of the evolving landscape of celebrity culture, where mental health, personal values, and the pursuit of authenticity are taking center stage. Throughout this article, we’ve explored how Bieber’s prioritization of his well-being, his marriage, and his artistic vision led him to forego the glamour and prestige of the Met Gala.
The significance of this decision lies in its potential to inspire a ripple effect among his fans and fellow celebrities, encouraging them to reevaluate their own priorities and values. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how this shift in celebrity culture will influence the entertainment industry as a whole. Will we see a rise in more authentic, values-driven stars, or will the allure of fame and fortune continue to dominate the spotlight? One thing is certain: Justin Bieber’s decision to skip the Met Gala has sparked a vital conversation about what truly matters in the lives of those we idolize.