Billy Porter has revealed that he hasn’t been invited to the Met Gala since 2019, meaning he won’t be making an appearance at the 2026 event either. During a candid chat on “Beverations” recently, he mentioned that Ryan Murphy was the one who invited him to the camping-themed Gala back in 2019, which was, as he notes, the only time he has ever attended.
“The reality is, when people ask me about it, I have to accept that I’m not invited, and honestly, that’s okay,” he explained. It seems he’s come to terms with it, which is refreshing, I think.
Although he has been to the Met Gala just once, Porter certainly made an impression. He arrived dramatically as a golden phoenix, being carried on a lavish black velvet bed by six shirtless men, no less. Once at the base of the iconic staircase, he opened his grand golden wings, all while clad in a jeweled bodysuit and a striking wig.
Porter claims to have felt quite disrespected when he wasn’t invited to last year’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” Yet, he reassured everyone by stating, “I’m fine,” and added, “I don’t go to places where I’m not welcome.” It seems he’s reached a level of comfort where he doesn’t need external validation anymore, which honestly makes a lot of sense. He’s determined to keep his peace, even if it means sitting out of events like the Met Gala.
His relationship with Vogue hasn’t always been smooth either. Recently, in 2023, he publicly criticized Harry Styles’ cover, even going so far as to call editor-in-chief Anna Wintour out in a rather colorful manner. It seems there’s been some tension there over the years.
