The 2025 Met Gala has arrived, an event traditionally recognized as the pinnacle of fashion nights and a significant moment for celebrity couples. While it’s often seen as a place where high-profile pairs make their red carpet debuts, it also holds a darker reputation—a so-called "curse" that allegedly leads to relationship failures. This year, all eyes will be on which new pairings choose to step onto the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s stairs, much like past famous couples such as Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, Jennifer Lopez and Alex Rodriguez, Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, and Elon Musk and Grimes did in years prior. However, these power couples share one unsettling commonality—they are no longer together.
Among the world’s most prestigious events, the Met Gala stands out as the ultimate platform for couples to announce their partnerships to the globe. According to Jane Owen, founder of Jane Owen Public Relations, “The Met Gala is the apex of high society for celebrities. The entire world’s media becomes captivated by it, utterly, and there’s no bigger way to ‘present yourselves’ as a couple.” Celebrities agree; Carmelia Ray, a matchmaker and relationship expert, notes that if a couple wants to make a splash, “there’s no bigger stage.” Yet, despite its allure, the question remains: does this grand spectacle doom relationships?
The pressure of such a public debut might seem overwhelming, but experts argue that the breakup of high-profile couples isn’t due to the event itself. Instead, underlying issues within the relationship often come to light under the intense scrutiny of the media spotlight. For instance, Pete Davidson and Kim Kardashian attended the 2022 gala after only six months of dating, splitting shortly thereafter. Similarly, Phoebe Bridgers and Paul Mescal made their debut at the same event, only to part ways soon after. Owen suggests that if a couple is already struggling, the added pressure from the media can exacerbate existing problems, though it rarely serves as the root cause.
Not all celebrity couples choose to walk the Met Gala red carpet together. Zendaya and Tom Holland, for example, maintain a low-key approach to their relationship, with Holland expressing his support for Zendaya’s moments in the spotlight without joining her. Meanwhile, Timothée Chalamet and Kylie Jenner have yet to walk a red carpet together, even though she frequently attends award shows. These strategic decisions reflect confidence and security in their relationships, proving that skipping a Met moment doesn't equate to a lack of commitment.
In conclusion, while the Met Gala offers an unparalleled opportunity for couples to showcase their partnership, it is not inherently responsible for relationship failures. Experts emphasize that successful relationships require respect, connection, trust, and communication—qualities that extend far beyond any red carpet appearance. Ultimately, whether or not a couple chooses to make their debut at the Met Gala should depend on their readiness and mutual decision to embrace the world’s attention fully and confidently.