Billy Porter says he won't attend Met Gala 2026.
‘Not Welcome’: Billy Porter Reveals Reason Behind Skipping Met Gala 2026
Meta Gala 2026 is around the corner, with this year's fashion exhibition event being sponsored by Jeff and Lauren Sánchez Bezos.
However, not everyone seems excited about the event, scheduled to be held on May 4. Pose actor Billy Porter is one of them.
According to reports, Porter hasn't been invited to the Met Gala since his show-stopping debut in 2019.
That year, he attended the VIP event in a bejewelled gold ensemble, marking his only ever Met Gala appearance. Since then, the 56-year-old has never returned.
'I Have Not Been Invited'
An X post highlights the reason behind Billy Porter's absence from Met Gala 2026.
In a recent interview on SiriusXM with host Beverly Smith, Porter was asked whether he would attend this year’s Met Gala.
To this, the actor replied, “No, I’m not going. I have not been invited… I haven’t been invited back since 2019. That’s the only time I’ve ever gone, and the only time I’ve ever been invited.”
The Tony-winning actor made it clear he does not attend places or events “where I’m not welcome.”
Porter further spoke about missing last year’s event, which celebrated Black dandyism with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
“I’m just going to throw that out there,” the actor said, adding, “I’m good. It’s all good."
"But the reality is when people ask me, you need to know I was not invited and I’m good, and I don’t go to places where I’m not welcome,” he stated.
Porter said he has come to terms with the situation and is at peace.
He added that he “doesn't require validation from the outside,” and therefore focusing on his own well-being has helped him stay grounded.
“So I’m going to sit and live in that because it helps keep me sane, too.” Porter shared.
All About Met Gala 2026
With the Met Gala 2026 scheduled to happen on May 4, the VIP event has announced the dress code as “Fashion is Art.”
The theme highlights the Costume Institute exhibition “Costume Art,” which explores the importance of the dressed body.
This year, guests are encouraged to treat their bodies as a blank canvas and express creativity through fashion.
Meanwhile, honorary hosts of the Met Gala 2026 include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.
The Gala Host Committee, co-chaired by Anthony Vaccarello and Zoë Kravitz, features several well-known names, including Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, Misty Copeland, Lena Dunham, Sam Smith and Teyana Taylor.
In addition, Jeff and Lauren Sánchez Bezos are lead sponsors of this year's fashion event, which has led to a boycott campaign. Their involvement has led activist groups like Everyone Hates Elon to circulate flyers in New York City calling for people to boycott the event.