The Met Gala, known for its glitz, glamour, and the best of fashion, is also notorious for unexpected moments that leave us cringing. While the red carpet is supposed to be all about jaw-dropping style, 2025’s event offered a surprising amount of drama. From ex-lovers awkwardly crossing paths to celebrities clashing with their fashion choices, the night wasn’t just about couture—it was full of eye-roll-worthy incidents that caught everyone’s attention. Here’s a roundup of the 15 most cringe-inducing moments that made Met Gala 2025 unforgettable, and not always for the right reasons.
1. Halle Berry Revealed “Far Too Much” by Wearing Far Too Little
Halle Berry’s return to the Met Gala was nothing short of a fashion statement—though not everyone agreed on whether it was a statement worth making. The actress turned heads in a sheer, risque outfit by LaQuan Smith, which left little to the imagination. While some fans were impressed with her daring choice, many others were uncomfortable with how much of her body was exposed. Netizens flooded social media, calling the outfit “straight-up trashy” and questioning her decision to go “punani-free.” Some even suggested she was “better than this” and criticized the outfit as too much for the occasion. Was it a bold fashion risk that paid off or did it go too far?
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2. Aimee Lou Wood Couldn’t Wait to Spend More Time with Walton Goggins Amid Feud Rumors
Aimee Lou Wood and Walton Goggins, co-stars from The White Lotus, sparked rumors of tension and a possible feud ahead of the Met Gala. As fans speculated about their awkward relationship, Aimee tried to brush it off with a red carpet chat, explaining that she had seen Walton a couple of days prior, and they were just catching up. However, her attempt to downplay the drama only added fuel to the fire. Her words felt like an indirect acknowledgment of the rumors, and the lingering tension between them was palpable. Though Aimee maintained there was no ill will, the unease was evident, leaving many wondering what was really going on behind the smiles.
3. Zendaya Was Captured “Fangirling” Over Diana Ross
Zendaya, ever the fashion icon, showed immense respect for one of her idols, Diana Ross, during the 2025 Met Gala. When Ross made her dramatic entrance, Zendaya—usually the center of attention herself—stepped aside to let the legend have her moment. While this act of respect was admirable, it was also a bit of a departure from Zendaya’s usual confident and unshakeable presence. Fans couldn’t help but comment on how rare it was to see Zendaya visibly “fangirling” over someone else. “Respect the legends,” some said, while others joked that Zendaya might be the next Diana Ross in her autobiography. While it was sweet, it definitely struck some as an unexpected moment of vulnerability for the usually composed Zendaya.
4. Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan: From Red Carpet Lovers to Red Carpet Strangers
The Met Gala 2025 marked the first time Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan appeared together on the red carpet after their split in 2024. Once a couple that graced the gala as red carpet darlings, their reunion at the event felt far from harmonious. Attending the event separately, it was clear the awkwardness between the ex-lovers was palpable. Fans quickly noticed the distance between them and made their comments known online. “Sabrina Carpenter and Barry Keoghan in the same place???” one commenter exclaimed, unable to hide their surprise. The once-adored couple now seemed like strangers on the red carpet, making it one of the more uncomfortable moments of the evening.
5. Christian Siriano Brought Back “Fashion Police Criticism”
Designer Christian Siriano, known for his honesty, revived the spirit of “Fashion Police” during the 2025 Met Gala by publicly critiquing the red carpet looks he wasn’t a fan of. Siriano didn’t hold back, offering candid commentary on the outfits that failed to impress him. Fans of the designer praised his willingness to “keep it real,” with one user even saying, “Christian Siriano is the only one keeping it real tonight.” While some loved the refreshing honesty, others felt the sharp critiques were too harsh. Was it a breath of fresh air or just too much fashion judgment for the Met Gala?
6. Blackpink’s Lisa: The Controversial Faces on Her Outfit
Blackpink’s Lisa turned heads with her daring fashion choice, but the real controversy came from the faces adorning her tights. While her shiny, form-fitting black blazer and sheer tights made a statement, it was the faces on her underwear that raised eyebrows. Some online speculated that the faces resembled famous civil rights icons, including Rosa Parks, which sparked a debate about cultural appropriation. Critics questioned whether it was appropriate to use these influential figures on such an intimate piece of clothing, especially in light of a recent controversy involving Blackpink’s lyrics. The backlash was swift, leading many to question the ethical implications of such a bold design choice.
7. Kim Kardashian’s Glare: A Security Guard’s Existential Crisis
Kim Kardashian’s interaction with her security guard became one of the most viral moments of the Met Gala. After the guard accidentally stepped on her dress, causing her to trip, Kim shot him a look that sent the internet into a frenzy.
The stare was so intense that fans jokingly suggested the security guard might have questioned his entire career. The viral video sparked countless memes, with one comment reading, “What do you think Kim said with that stare? ‘You had one job!’” While it might have been a moment of frustration, it quickly turned into comedic gold for the online world, showing that even Met Gala mishaps can become memorable moments.
What goes through a security guard’s mind when they accidentally ruin a moment for the world’s most famous celebrity? Watch the video that went viral and sparked an internet frenzy.”
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8. Charli XCX and Her Underwear Both Made a Grand Entrance
Charli XCX has always been known for her bold fashion choices, but her appearance at the 2025 Met Gala was particularly daring. The singer opted for a goth glam look, flashing her underwear for all to see. While she rocked a stunning Ann Demeulemeester ensemble, it was the lack of a skirt that caused a stir. Social media erupted with mixed reactions—some were all for the boldness, while others felt her look didn’t fit the theme. “Looking like she’s in the Addams Family,” one commenter said, while another joked about her skirt being “stuck in traffic.” Was Charli’s look avant-garde or just a chaotic attempt at being edgy?
9. Gayle King Might Still Be “Suffering from a Confidence Drain”
Gayle King’s Met Gala 2025 appearance left many questioning her body language. Wearing a custom purple gown, Gayle seemed less than confident, and body language experts noted that her posture appeared defensive. A body language analyst suggested that Gayle’s gestures indicated a “subliminal urge to self-protect,” pointing to a lack of the “assured symmetry” seen in other stars. This subtle unease came after the backlash surrounding her space mission, leaving some to wonder if the criticism had taken a toll on her confidence. Was her body language truly awkward, or was it simply a case of nerves under the intense glare of the Met Gala spotlight?
10. Kamala Harris: “Madam President” Energy or Missed Opportunity?
Kamala Harris made her Met Gala debut in 2025, and her simple, sleek look was met with mixed reactions. While some praised her for exuding “Madam President” vibes, others felt her outfit was too understated for the high-profile event. She wore a custom Off-White look, designed by IB Kamara, which some considered lacking the flair that the Met Gala demands. Critics suggested her ensemble was too simple for such a glamorous night, while others appreciated her minimalist approach. Kamala’s outfit, though elegant, sparked debates about whether she should have gone bolder or embraced the simplicity of her look.
11. Vogue’s Livestream Fail: Missing the Stars
Vogue’s livestream of the 2025 Met Gala was expected to be a major highlight of the event, but fans were left sorely disappointed when it abruptly ended before the biggest stars arrived. Viewers, who had stayed up late to catch the iconic moments, were frustrated when the livestream cut off before they could see celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Rihanna, and others. Fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with one user writing, “I stayed up until nearly 2am to see Charli XCX walk the Met Gala carpet and they finished the livestream before she arrived!” The premature cut-off left many feeling shortchanged, adding another awkward layer to an already dramatic event.
12. LeBron James’ Absence: The Missing King at the Met Gala
LeBron James’ absence from the 2025 Met Gala was a surprising and disappointing moment for many fans. Just hours before the event, LeBron announced that a knee injury would prevent him from attending. His absence left a hole in the Met Gala lineup, with fans lamenting the missed opportunity to see “The King” in a stunning outfit.
Despite his absence, his wife, Savannah James, held her own on the red carpet, dazzling in her own right. However, LeBron’s withdrawal from the event was certainly a letdown for those hoping to see his impeccable style.
13. James Corden’s Appearance Came with a Viewer Discretion Warning
James Corden’s Met Gala appearance was one of the more awkward moments of the night. The comedian’s outfit was met with ridicule, with many calling it a “boring” choice. A video from the event even came with a cheeky disclaimer, warning viewers about his underwhelming appearance. The internet quickly labeled his outfit as “snooze-worthy,” with one person quipping, “It’s a regular old tux.” While some may have found it safe and classy, many felt that James Corden failed to make an impact at one of fashion’s biggest nights.
14. Anna Wintour’s Red Carpet Response Had People Scratching Their Heads
Anna Wintour’s response to a reporter’s question at the 2025 Met Gala left fans confused. When asked about how fashion could create allyship, Wintour gave a vague and convoluted answer that failed to provide any clarity. Her response was criticized by many for being “word salad” and not addressing the question at all. Some viewers were taken aback by her lack of clarity, while others mocked the entire exchange, suggesting that she didn’t even know what event she was attending.
15. Naomi Campbell Insisted She Was Invited to the 2025 Met Gala
Naomi Campbell, a regular Met Gala attendee, made waves when she was absent from the 2025 event. Rumors about a fallout with Anna Wintour had been circulating, especially after a public spat over Campbell’s tardiness at a previous event. Despite these rumors, Naomi took to social media to confirm that she had indeed been invited but chose not to attend. The drama surrounding her absence only fueled speculation, leading Naomi to release a statement defending her decision.
Conclusion: The 2025 Met Gala – A Night of Fashion, Fame, and Unforgettable Drama
The 2025 Met Gala proved that, beyond the glitz and glamour, there is always a fair share of awkward and cringe-worthy moments that keep the event in the public’s eye long after it’s over. From fashion misfires to tense interactions and unexpected drama, this year’s event was full of surprises that had fans talking. Whether it was the bold fashion choices or the offbeat encounters, the 2025 Met Gala will go down as one of the most entertaining and cringe-worthy in recent memory. One thing is for sure: the Met Gala will always be more than just a fashion show—it’s a playground for celebrity drama.
