Billy Porter, the 56-year-old actor and singer, just got candid about why we haven’t seen him at the Met Gala in seven years. And, honestly, his response is a clear warning to us all not to chase people or things just because they seem important.
Speaking about fashion’s upcoming night-of-nights (due to take place this year on May 4), Billy confirmed he won’t be attending — pointing out that he hasn’t been invited back after his 2019 debut, where he went down in Met Gala history for his extravagant entrance and Ancient Egyptian “Sun God” look.
“No I’m not going, I have not been invited,” Billy said on SiriusXM’s radio show, Bevelations. “I haven’t been invited back since 2019.”
Why has Billy Porter been snubbed by the Met Gala?
He doesn’t explain exactly why that’s the case, but claims he’s earned his invitation (since he’s long been celebrated for his avant-garde and gender-bending style).
It is especially surprising to learn that he wasn’t invited to last year’s Met Gala since the theme was ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’, a celebration of Black dandyism.
“I don’t go to places where I’m not welcome,” Billy explained.
“There’s a level that I’ve reached that doesn’t require validation from the outside, so I’m going to sit and live in that.”
Notably, Billy openly expressed his frustration at Vogue’s cover of Harry Styles in December 2020, which was widely praised for styling Harry in women’s clothing.
“I had to fight my entire life to get to the place where I could wear a dress to the Oscars and not be gunned down.
“All he has to do is be white and straight,” Billy said.
The Editor-in-Chief of Vogue at the time was Anna Wintour, who has been the co-chair of the Met Gala since 1995.
Why Billy Porter’s snub is a reminder to us mere mortals
While it’s clear Billy still has feelings towards the Met Gala dismissing him (who wouldn’t?), his response is one we should all learn from — and serves as a reminder that none of us should chase after people or events, no matter their status or social currency.
Staying true to your sense of self is a powerful approach to life, and can even create social currency, because it’s a quality many people strive to have, but fall short on.
Billy’s fans have rallied to support his mentality, calling him simply “too fabulous” to attend.
“When you are your most authentic, the haters will exclude you,” one fan said.
Bravo Billy, bravo.
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