Collage of three images: Kim Kardashian posing in a shimmering gown and white fur wrap, John Galliano and Anna Wintour at a table, and Janelle Monáe in a large black and white gown with a Karl Lagerfeld image on its trai
Celebrity

Met Gala Chaos: The Biggest Red Carpet Scandals Ranked

From Kim Kardashian's Marilyn Monroe gown mess to John Galliano's PR nightmares, fashion's biggest night always brings high drama.

By Nina BrooksPublished Updated 2 min read

The Met Gala may be fashion's most exclusive spectacle, but the legendary carpet on the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art has seen just as many public relations disasters as iconic couture moments. While the annual star-studded fundraiser hosted by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour promises breathtaking looks, the drama surrounding the attendees often steals the show. Over the decades, the bash has transformed from an elite dinner into a global viral circus where every outfit choice is dissected under an intense pop-culture microscope. Recent scrutiny surrounding controversial designer John Galliano is simply the latest chapter in a long history of high-profile disasters. ## What happened with Kim Kardashian at the Met Gala Few moments in red carpet history generated as much fierce debate as Kim Kardashian’s appearance at the 2022 event. The reality superstar shocked observers by arriving in the original crystal-embellished gown worn by Marilyn Monroe when she sang to President John F. Kennedy in 1962. The fashion stunt immediately ignited widespread outrage across the art preservation community. Kardashian publicly admitted to extreme weight-loss measures to fit into the fragile garment, sparking backlash over promoting unhealthy habits. Subsequent reports claimed the historic dress suffered visible damage during the appearance, cementing it as one of the event's most talked-about PR blunders. ## Why is John Galliano controversial at the Met Gala The ongoing debate around designer John Galliano also continues to cast a shadow over fashion’s biggest night. Galliano fell from grace in 2011 following a high-profile scandal involving anti-Semitic tirades at a Paris venue, which led to his termination from Christian Dior. Despite his years in career exile, Galliano’s work for Maison Margiela has frequently resurfaced on the Met steps. Whenever notable stars opt to wear his designs for the event, it instantly reignites intense public arguments regarding accountability, redemption, and who gets celebrated by the industry elite. As fashion's ultimate party continues to dominate headlines every spring, one thing remains obvious: chaos on the museum steps is basically built into the price of admission.

The photos · 6

Collage of three images: Kim Kardashian posing in a shimmering gown and white fur wrap, John Galliano and Anna Wintour at a table, and Janelle Monáe in a large black and white gown with a Karl Lagerfeld image on its trai
John Galliano withdrew from his planned 2027 Met exhibit on Aug. 31 following weeks of pressure from Jewish leaders and Met donors.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos paid at least $10 million to sponsor the 2026 “Costume Art” gala, according to reports. for The Met Museum/Vogue
The museum’s tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld drew widespread debate over the Chanel designer’s history of inflammatory remarks. for The Met Museum/Vogue
Kim Kardashian arrived at the 2022 “In America” gala in Marilyn Monroe’s original “Happy Birthday, Mr. President” gown on loan from Ripley’s Believe It Or Not!
Scarlett Johansson chose burgundy Marchesa for the 2018 “Heavenly Bodies” gala, months after Harvey Weinstein’s downfall.

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People also ask

What was the Kim Kardashian Met Gala dress controversy?
In 2022, Kim Kardashian wore Marilyn Monroe's original dress from 1962, drawing widespread criticism over rapid weight loss to fit the garment and allegations that the historic piece was damaged.
Why is John Galliano involved in Met Gala drama?
John Galliano's presence in fashion circles triggers intense public debate due to his 2011 dismissal from Dior following anti-Semitic comments, making his designs on the Met steps a frequent target for criticism.