Australian-Peruvian actress Nathalie Kelley, known for her role in "The Fast and the Furious," has publicly criticized the annual Met Gala, labeling it as both "dystopian" and "elitist." Kelley, 41, took to her social media stories on Tuesday to voice her discontent with the high-profile charity event, which took place on Monday at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Her critique centers on the perceived exclusivity and detachment of the fashion industry's prominent gathering from broader societal issues.
Kelly's remarks surface amidst a backdrop of growing scrutiny surrounding the event. The actress shared her views alongside an image of herself near a creek bed, underscoring her environmental activism. This year's Met Gala, held on the first Monday in May, saw notable attendees including Nicole Kidman, Margot Robbie, Miranda Kerr, and Hugh Jackman. However, the event also experienced the absence of some regular A-list participants, such as Zendaya and Billie Eilish.
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A Pattern of Dissatisfaction with the Gala
Kelley's outspokenness echoes sentiments shared by other figures in the entertainment industry who have expressed reservations about the Met Gala's ethos and execution.
Zayn Malik, a former attendee, has reportedly described his experience as "rubbish" and stated his preference for more "productive" activities over the self-indulgent spectacle of the red carpet. He is reportedly among those banned from the event, a status also attributed to Donald Trump by Anna Wintour herself.
Actress Lili Reinhart indicated she would likely not be invited back after criticizing Kim Kardashian's attire and rapid weight loss for a past Met Gala.
Gwyneth Paltrow, in 2013, famously called the event "sucked," detailing a reality of discomfort and crowding that belied its glamorous perception.
Concerns about the event's thematic relevance and potential for perpetuating inequality have also been raised. A TikTok video featuring influencer Haley "Baylee" Kalil using a "let them eat cake" audio clip during the 2024 Gala sparked discussions about tone-deafness amid rising economic disparity. Similarly, Lisa of Blackpink drew criticism for wearing an outfit that appeared to incorporate an image of civil rights activist Rosa Parks.
The Met Gala, formally known as the Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, occurs annually, marking its significance as a major event in the fashion calendar.
