Washington [US]: As the fashion world counts down to the Met Gala 2025, actor Jennifer Garner is making headlines—not for attending, but for why she won’t be returning.
Garner, who made her first and only Met Gala appearance in 2007, recently revealed she found the experience “a little scary” and has no plans to return.
In a December 2023 episode of Vogue’s Beauty Secrets series, the four-time Emmy nominee opened up about the exclusive event:
“I went to the Met ball exactly one time,” she said. “I found it a little scary, so I haven’t been back.”
Despite the nerves, she recalled her night at the gala fondly:
“I wore this magical red Valentino gown that night,” she said, referring to her appearance alongside fashion designer Valentino Garavani. “And I was his date, and that was really majestic and special.”
Garner isn’t alone in skipping out on fashion’s biggest night. Zayn Malik also opted out after attending once in 2016, saying he isn’t eager to go again.
Other celebrities have expressed similar sentiments but later changed their minds. Gwyneth Paltrow famously called her Met Gala experience “so un-fun,” “boiling,” and “too crowded” back in 2013, only to return in 2017 and again in 2019—suggesting her opinion softened over time.
Meanwhile, some stars decline the invitation, and others have reportedly been banned from attending altogether, according to E! News.
As the anticipation builds for tonight’s spectacle, Garner’s honesty stands out in a world where glitz often overshadows discomfort.