Fashion icon Naomi Campbell, often dubbed the “Black Panther” of the runway, was noticeably absent from the Met Gala 2025, sparking rumors of a behind-the-scenes fallout with Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.
According to the Daily Mail, citing a report from The Sun, Naomi Campbell was allegedly barred from attending this year’s prestigious event due to a tense exchange with Wintour during the Harlem’s Fashion Row Fashion Show & Style Awards in September 2024.
At the time, Anna Wintour had been slated to present Naomi with the Fashion Icon Award. However, in a surprise twist, Wintour exited the ceremony after her opening speech, leaving Harper’s Bazaar editor-in-chief Samira Nasr to present the award instead. On stage, Wintour made a pointed remark:
“I’m someone who’s always on time. Tonight, I have the honor of giving an award to someone who often arrives late.”
When Naomi later took the stage to accept her award, she appeared to respond directly to the comment. While acknowledging her tendency to run late, she remarked:
“I didn’t choose that other woman to honor me. I’m happier having Samira Nasr do it.”
Although some media outlets clarified that Naomi hadn’t actually been late and that Wintour’s comment was meant playfully—she reportedly moved her speech earlier to attend another event—the tense exchange sparked immediate backlash.
According to a source quoted by The Sun, the fallout may have cost Naomi her Met Gala invitation:
“Naomi essentially shot herself in the stiletto with that comment. You don’t publicly slight the queen of fashion and expect to waltz into her biggest event. If Anna wants you out, you’re out. It’s that simple.”
Campbell’s absence was especially striking given her long-standing presence at the Met Gala over the years. While she wasn’t included on the 2025 guest list, Naomi attempted to downplay the situation in a recent YouTube video, saying she felt “too old” for the fashion marathon and that last year’s gala may have been her last.
As of now, Naomi’s reps have declined to comment. The supermodel appears to be enjoying a quiet family getaway in the Maldives instead of gracing the blue carpet in New York.
The Met Gala 2025 was held on May 5 (local time) at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, with the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.”