10 celebrity couples who fell prey to the ‘Met Gala curse’

A notable example is Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston. The American singer and actor met on ‘fashion’s biggest night’ back in 2016 and were embroiled in a summer romance that was unfortunately short-lived. The couple called it quits, and later, Swift’s album Reputation reportedly featured a song that hinted at their brief romance.

Is there any particular reasoning behind it?

Counselling psychologist Priyamvada Tendulkar said that despite being the ‘perfect couple’ in the public eye, there could be internal triggers and dissatisfaction between them. “The comparison between what looks and appears to be and what feels to be in that relationship may be vastly different—eventually leading to discontentment and regular fights,” she said, adding that it might result in a breakup.

Rima Bhandekar, Psychologist, Mpower, Aditya Birla Education Trust concurred, adding that exposure to one of the most high-profile events can increase anxiety manifold, affect how celebrities see themselves through the lens of press and popularity standards, and could put pressure on relationships, making it more likely that something might fall apart afterward.

“The ‘curse’ doesn’t cause problems—but stress of feeling the pressure or believing in this superstition can imperceptibly influence their reactions to conflicts, or lower their mental health,” she said.

According to her, a celebrity breaking up or in the center of a scandal after the Met Gala is more shocking, and notable in public memory than someone who attended and still remained together after years. So even if just a few celebrities experience break-ups or disgraces after, those moments strengthen the idea to the public that the curse must be real, she added.

Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse attended the Met Gala together in 2018 (Source: Instagram/@_metgala2019)

Besides the Swift-Hiddleston split, numerous celebrity couples have fallen prey to this ‘curse’.

Celeb pairings who have succumbed to it

Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik—attended in 2016

Selena Gomez and The Weeknd—attended in 2017

Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott—attended in 2018

Hailey Bieber and Shawn Mendes—attended in 2018

Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse—attended in 2018

Miley Cyrus and Liam Lemsworth – attended in 2019

Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello—attended in 2021

Phoebe Bridgers and Paul Mescal—attended in 2022

Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson—attended in 2022

Who skipped the Met Gala this year?

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, Timothee Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Bella Hadid, and Jennifer Lopez were absent from the Met Gala roster in attendance on Monday. Honorary co-chair LeBron James had to pass up on his Met Gala debut owing to an unfortunate knee injury. His wife walked the steps on his behalf.

Beyoncé, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, who are currently on tour, also skipped the event. Selena Gomez and fiancé Benny Blanco sat this one down since the former was busy attending a Rare Beauty mental health awareness event in Los Angeles.