Each year, as the first Monday in May rolls around, the world eagerly anticipates the glitz and glamour of the Met Gala. While it is a showcase for fashion icons like Rihanna and Colman Domingo, it also serves as a platform for celebrities to announce significant life changes. However, an intriguing pattern has emerged over the years: some couples who debut their relationships at the event seem to part ways shortly afterward. This phenomenon, known as the "Met Gala Curse," has captivated fans and left many questioning its validity.

This curse suggests that attending this high-profile gala might lead to the dissolution of romantic partnerships. Despite some exceptions where relationships blossomed after meeting at the gala, numerous celebrity breakups following their appearances have fueled the legend of this supposed curse. As we look back at instances where the curse seemed to manifest, one wonders whether these splits were mere coincidence or if there's something more to this annual spectacle.

Celebrity Couples Under the Spotlight: The Alleged Curse Manifests

Over the years, several high-profile couples have attended the Met Gala only to see their relationships unravel shortly thereafter. These breakups have led to the coining of the term "Met Gala Curse." Among those affected are Kirsten Dunst and Jake Gyllenhaal from 2003, Christina Ricci and Chris Evans in 2007, and FKA Twigs and Robert Pattinson in 2015. Each of these pairings enjoyed public attention leading up to the event but found themselves going separate ways soon after.

The curse appears to strike without discrimination. For instance, Sarah Silverman and Michael Sheen’s relationship ended post-attendance in 2015, followed by Gigi Hadid and Zayn Malik's split in 2016. Even Taylor Swift and Tom Hiddleston, whose romance began with a connection made at the gala, couldn't escape the shadow of the curse. Similarly, Anne Wojcicki and Alex Rodriguez parted ways after their 2016 appearance. It seems no couple is immune once they step onto the iconic red carpet. Yet, while patterns suggest a link between attendance and breakup, correlation does not imply causation—a critical distinction worth noting.

A Timeline of Heartbreak: Notable Instances Linked to the Curse

Delving deeper into specific cases reveals a compelling narrative surrounding the alleged curse. In 2018, Kylie Jenner and Travis Scott, along with Hailey Bieber and Shawn Mendes, graced the gala before announcing separations later. Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse joined this list in the same year, adding further evidence to support the theory. Grimes and Elon Musk also attended together in 2018, yet their union dissolved subsequently.

More recent examples include Miley Cyrus and Liam Hemsworth in 2019, whose marriage ended shortly after their gala appearance. Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello's much-publicized breakup followed their 2021 attendance. Phoebe Bridgers and Paul Mescal added another chapter to the story in 2022, alongside Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson. With seventeen documented cases since 2003, questions remain about whether external pressures, media scrutiny, or simply timing play roles in these splits. Regardless, the allure of the Met Gala continues undiminished, inviting new couples each year despite whispers of its potential curse.