Why Kylie Jenner, Zendaya, Nicki Minaj, Kourtney and Others Couldn't Attend the Met Gala 2021

The Met Gala event—which is typically held on the first Monday in May—was postponed due to the ongoing global pandemic this year. And, last night, finally, fashion’s biggest night was held at its usual location: the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. The theme was in celebration of the Costume Institute’s newest exhibition, 'In America: A Lexicon of Fashion,' which opens to the public in the Anna Wintour Costume Center on September 18th. 

However, this year, we didn't spot some stars that we were hoping to. From second-time pregnant Kylie Jenner to Trinidadian rapper Nicki Minaj, a few celebrities chose to skip the benefit for several reasons. If you've been wondering exactly why? You've come to the right place. According to celebrities or sources close to them, the following reasons can be attributed to their absence. 

 

1. Kylie Jenner 

 

While the mommy-to-be was 'approved' to attend the event last night, she didn't. And, this, as expected, sparked speculations. Although, a source told Page Six that nothing dramatic went down. "Kylie is pregnant and it’s a lot to take on, going to such a public event," the insider said. Another source told E!, "She pulled out last minute because she is overwhelmed and just doesn't feel great. She did a lot this past weekend and pushed it. Kylie has been going back and forth for the last two months on if she wanted to attend or not and decided she doesn't really need to go. Kylie is focused on her pregnancy right now and just wants to take it easy." The American personality also took to Instagram to address her absence at the event. "I'm so sad I couldn't make it this year. I can't wait to see all the looks," Kylie wrote on her Instagram Story, sharing throwback photographs of her previous Met Gala red carpet looks. 

 

2. Nicki Minaj 

 

On Monday, the rapper announced that she wouldn't be attending the benefit amid the vaccination mandate issued by the Met Gala event organisers, in keeping with COVID-19 concerns. "They want you to get vaccinated for the Met. If I get vaccinated it won't (be) for the Met. It'll be once I feel I've done enough research. I'm working on that now. In the meantime, my loves, be safe. Wear the mask with 2 strings that grip your head & face. Not that loose one," she tweeted. 

 

3. Zendaya 

 

Last week, the actor revealed that she couldn't make the event due to a scheduling conflict. "I will be on Euphoria. My fans are going to be very upset with me. I will unfortunately not be able to attend [the Met Gala], because I'll be working for Euphoria. I wish I could, especially since this fashion icon is going to be hosting", she said in an interview pointing toward Chalamet, who will be co-hosting the event this year. 

 

4. Beyoncé

 

While Beyoncé hasn't attended the benefit since 2016, fans were expecting to see her slay the red carpet this year. However, as it happens, she was spotted in Cannes, France, with Jay Z and her mom Tina Knowles-Lawson over the weekend. Some speculations also suggest that Jay Z and Beyoncé are still on their Italian getaway in celebration of her recent 40th birthday. 

 

5. Harry Styles

 

The British singer-songwriter released his Love On Tour dates for 2021, with a show scheduled for September 13th in Houston. Hence, he couldn't make it for the Met. Did you know that Harry Styles first time at the Met Gala was as a co-host in 2019? 

 

6. Kourtney Kardashian 

 

While Kourtney Kardashian and boyfriend Travis Barker made their MTV VMAs debut last night, they were nowhere to be seen on the Met Gala red carpet. Kourtney took to her Instagram Story to reveal that while the couple was still in New York City, they chose to enjoy a romantic dinner at the Polo Bar instead. While we would've loved to see the celebrity couple grace the benefit, it seems as though Kourtney has got her priorities in place.