You Won't See Demi Lovato At The Met Gala Anytime Soon - Here's Why
When it comes to high-profile celebrity events, the Met Gala is a must-watch spectacle with a star-studded guest list and countless haute-couture ensembles. Giving global fashion weeks a run for their money, the annual Met Gala is arguably the style event of the year. Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour spearheads the gala, and for many, scoring an invitation to this New York City ball is a sign that they've made it. However, some celebs are less than enthusiastic about it. Actor and singer Demi Lovato, for one, has been outspoken about her dislike for the Met Gala.
Turning your nose up at an event you've never been invited to is one thing, but Lovato's speaking from experience. Lovato attended the Met Gala in 2016 and hasn't been back since. That year, the theme was "Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology," and Lovato attended in a sparkling silver gown by Moschino designer Jeremy Scott.
Lovato's time at the Met Gala had all the ingredients for a successful, enjoyable outing, but despite her chic ensemble and professionalism, the "Sorry Not Sorry" singer made it clear afterward that the night was a total wash. From personal discomfort and insecurity to dealing with fakeness and nastiness from other guests, Lovato has cited several major reasons she'll avoid the Met Gala from now on.
Lovato felt 'awkward' on the Met Gala red carpet
The Met Gala has seen some fashion flops, but Demi Lovato's 2016 gown wasn't the problem. Its bold, glittery sequins were paired with matte black panels and illustrative yellow filigree in a creative yet classy design. Unfortunately, while Lovato looked the part, she didn't enjoy her time on the red carpet.
Lovato posed alongside her gown's designer, Jeremy Scott, and Nicki Minaj — who also repped Scott's work in a strappy black dress that contrasted Lovato's look. After the event, Lovato shared a picture of the trio on Instagram. In the shot, Minaj seems to be casting some shade at the "I Love Me" singer with her eyes. "This picture pretty much summed up my first and probably last Met," Lovato captioned the photo, adding the hashtags #sof***ingawkward and #notforme.
While the original Instagram post has since been deleted, it led onlookers to speculate that Lovato blamed Minaj for her discomfort at the event. Lovato quickly clarified that no offense was meant toward anyone, including the "Super Bass" rapper. On X, formerly known as Twitter, Lovato posted, "Relax... I didn't shade anyone. If anything I shaded myself from how awkward I look." Since then, there've been no signs of ongoing beef between the two performers. But whatever the source of the tension, it's clear that Lovato wasn't at ease on the Met Gala red carpet — and probably won't be hurrying back.
The Met Gala nearly pushed Lovato to break her sobriety
On top of feeling awkward during her red carpet photos, Demi Lovato's time at the 2016 Met Gala was marked by profound social discomfort. "I had a terrible experience," Lovato told Billboard in 2018. "This one celebrity was a complete b***h and was miserable to be around. It was very cliquey. I remember being so uncomfortable that I wanted to drink." This is a significant statement from the "Camp Rock" star, whose battle for sobriety has been hard-won, including spending over a year in a sober living center in 2013.
While Lovato is committed to her sober lifestyle and has shared inspiring quotes about sobriety, she reportedly had to escape the A-lister event to attend a late-night Alcoholics Anonymous meeting. "I changed my clothes, but I still had my diamonds on — millions of dollars of diamonds on in an AA meeting," Lovato added to Billboard. "And I related more to the homeless people in that meeting who struggled with the same struggles that I deal with than the people at the Met Gala — fake and sucking the fashion industry's d***."
With such blunt commentary, it's hard to deny that Lovato is dead-set against a repeat appearance at the Met Gala. Only time will tell whether the star will change her mind, but for now, it seems Lovato has taken herself off the guest list.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with addiction issues, help is available. Visit the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website or contact SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).