Rihanna‘s absence at this year’s Met Gala left some fans puzzled and disappointed. The renowned singer and entrepreneur was slated to grace the iconic fashion event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on May 6. However, much to the dismay of her admirers, she was notably absent from the red carpet.
According to a report by People magazine, Rihanna had intentions of attending the gala but had to withdraw at the eleventh hour due to illness. A source disclosed to the outlet that the “Work” singer had fallen ill with the flu, compelling her to cancel her appearance.
The news of Rihanna’s absence didn’t sit well with some fans, especially after the event had commenced. Expressing their disappointment on social media platforms, fans lamented the absence of their favorite star. “Met gala is over ??? No Rihanna? No Blake Lively?” queried one user on X following Vogue’s live stream of the red carpet.
met gala is over ??? no rihanna? no blake lively? pic.twitter.com/V4QYYflANg
— 2000s (@PopCulture2000s) May 7, 2024
Another fan expressed sadness, stating, “I’m really sad Rihanna isn’t going anymore,” while a third conveyed their discontent, declaring, “This met gala is factually bad just because Rihanna didn’t attend.” Rihanna has established herself as a fashion icon at previous Met Galas, raising expectations for her anticipated appearances.
The theme for this year’s gala, “The Garden of Time,” had fans eagerly anticipating Rihanna’s fashion statement. In an interview with Vogue last month, the Savage x Fenty designer hinted at her ensemble for the event. “I’m gonna wear Fenty something! Fenty Beauty, Fenty Skin, Fenty Savage,” she teased. Reflecting on her past fashion choices, Rihanna acknowledged a shift towards a more modest style, particularly since embracing motherhood. “I’ve done so much shit in my life. I’ve had my nipples out, my panties out,” she remarked. “But now, those are the things which, I guess as a mom and an evolved young lady – emphasis on young – there are things I feel like I would never do. Like: ‘Oh my God, I really did that? Nips out?’”
