The 2025 Met Gala, one of the most anticipated events in the world of fashion and pop culture, has officially wrapped — but the stories from inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art are just starting to emerge. This year’s event, as always, brought together some of the biggest names in Hollywood, fashion, sports, music, and art, all to celebrate the opening of the Costume Institute’s latest spring exhibition, “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”
While the Met Gala is known for its red-carpet glamour and breathtaking couture, what happens inside the museum is typically shrouded in mystery. However, thanks to a few rebellious celebrities, fans are getting rare glimpses of what unfolded beyond the iconic navy blue carpet.
A Night of Fashion, Art, and Fine Dining
As guests arrived at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan, they ascended the famous steps, which this year were adorned with a navy blue carpet decorated with daffodil illustrations by artist Cy Gavin. After posing for the photographers and dazzling fans worldwide, attendees were ushered inside for a formal dinner crafted by acclaimed Chef Kwame Onwuachi.
The evening promised a celebration of Black style and culture, blending haute couture with a deep appreciation for artistry and heritage. But even as the guests settled into the meticulously planned event, not everyone was content to simply enjoy the evening without capturing some moments for social media.
Anna Wintour’s No-Phone Policy: The Gala’s Strictest Rule
Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the powerful force behind the Met Gala, has long maintained a strict no-phones, no-social-media rule during the event. According to Vogue, all guests are expected to follow this policy once they step inside the museum. The idea behind the rule is to preserve the intimacy and exclusivity of the evening, encouraging guests to be present rather than distracted by their devices.
Despite repeated reminders, some stars couldn’t resist breaking the rules — and they made sure the world saw it.
Megan Thee Stallion Leads the Rebellion
One of the most notable rule-breakers of the night was rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The Grammy-winning artist took to Instagram to post a candid video featuring herself, WNBA star Angel Reese, and rapper Doechii sharing laughs and enjoying hors d’oeuvres at their dinner table in the museum’s American wing.
Megan cheekily acknowledged the no-phone rule in her video, telling her followers, “We are doing it anyway,” as she panned the camera to include other A-list guests like Tracee Ellis Ross, sprinter Sha’Carri Richardson, singer Doja Cat, actress Cynthia Erivo, and icon Angela Bassett. The video even caught surprise appearances from stars like Lupita Nyong’o, tennis legend Serena Williams, and designer Michael Kors.
More Celebrities Ignore the Rules
Megan wasn’t the only one who defied Wintour’s no-phone policy. Rising music star Tyla shared a selfie with global pop sensation Shakira on her Instagram Story, while actress Halle Bailey — best known for her role in The Little Mermaid — was seen posing with actress Sydney Sweeney and singer Lisa.
Fashion designer Michael Kors’s husband, Lance LePere, also ignored the guidelines, posting a photo alongside Kors, singer Suki Waterhouse, and top model Ugbad Abdi. Meanwhile, musician and producer Questlove took things a step further, persuading gala co-chairs Colman Domingo and Lewis Hamilton to pose for a bathroom selfie. Questlove also shared playful moments with Ellis Ross, actor Evan Ross, and comedian Quinta Brunson.
The Tension Between Privacy and Publicity
The fact that so many celebrities chose to bypass the no-phone rule highlights the ongoing tension between the desire for privacy and the pressures of publicity. In today’s hyper-connected world, even the most exclusive events struggle to remain off the grid. For celebrities, sharing glimpses of these behind-the-scenes moments offers not just connection with fans, but also a chance to shape their public image and brand.
Despite the rule-breaking, the 2025 Met Gala successfully delivered what it promises every year: a celebration of creativity, artistry, and individuality. Whether through the breathtaking fashion on display, the exquisite dining experience, or the unplanned moments caught on camera, the night once again proved why the Met Gala remains the pinnacle of cultural and fashion events.