Like the Met Gala 2026 approaches, fashion enthusiasts are not only enthusiastic about extravagant outfits, but are also enthusiastic about a long-standing rumor: the so-called “curse of the Met Gala”.
Many believe that the iconic red carpet serves as a brutal test for celebrity relationships. Couples who choose the event to go public or appear together often end up separating shortly after. Over the years, the list of “victims” continued to grow, making some stars hesitant to participate in the gala as a couple.
One of the most talked about examples is Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson in 2022. Their appearance made headlines, especially because Kim famously wore Marilyn Monroe’s legendary dress. The couple dominated the spotlight with affectionate moments, but just three months later they confirmed their split.
In 2018, Shawn Mendes and Hailey Bieber (then Hailey Baldwin) looked like a fairytale couple on the red carpet. However, just months later, Hailey rekindled her romance with Justin Bieber and married him, while Mendes later clarified that they were “Just friends.”
In 2017, Selena Gomez and The Weeknd melted hearts with their romantic debut at the event. Yet, less than a year later, their relationship ended.
Another heartbreaking example is Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth. The married couple appeared deeply in love at the 2019 evening galasharing sweet moments under the cameras. Incredibly, they announced their divorce just three months later, ending a decade-long relationship.
Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott also made waves at the I met Gala in both 2018 and 2019. Although they had children together, their relationship faced constant ups and downs before officially ending in 2022.
More recently, Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan have become the latest to be rumored “victims”. Even if they didn’t walk the 2024 carpet together galatheir affectionate moments within the event attracted attention. Not long after, breakup rumors began to circulate.
Going back even further, A$AP Rocky and Chanel Iman appeared as a glamorous engaged couple in 2014, only to call off their engagement six months later. Likewise, Jamie Campbell Bower and Lily Collins showed off gothic elegance at the 2013 edition galabut their on-and-off relationship eventually ended.
So why does he do this? “curse” Does it seem so convincing to you? Some believe the overwhelming media attention and pressure at the Met Gala could put a strain on relationships. Others joke that one can somehow attend such a luxurious, high-profile event “consume” the romantic fortune of a couple.
However, not all couples are victims of it. Power couples like Beyoncé and Jay-Z, Rihanna and A$AP Rocky, as well as Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively remained strong despite their appearance at the event.
With the Met Gala 2026 just around the corner, the question remains: will some couple dare walk those famous steps together and finally break up the so-called curse– or will history repeat itself once again?
Sources: K14
