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When Bathroom Smoking Became a Scandal
Nothing sends event planners into a panic like a smoke-filled bathroom at the Met Gala. In 2017, Rita Ora, Rami Malek, and Dakota Johnson were caught in a now-infamous bathroom selfie, cigarettes in hand, brazenly flouting New York’s smoking laws. The problem grew so big that the city’s health commissioner wrote a stern letter demanding change. For organizers, it was a shocking reminder: even the fanciest galas can’t keep rebellious celebrities from lighting up, especially when the cameras are rolling.
Kylie Jenner’s Viral Bathroom Selfie Frenzy
The 2017 Met Gala bathroom wasn’t just smoky—it was selfie central. Kylie Jenner’s mirror snap with over a dozen celebrities, from Kim Kardashian to Frank Ocean, exploded online. The image went viral within hours, making event planners cringe. Their strict “no photo” policy was thrown out the window, replaced by a social media storm that proved nothing stays private—even at the most exclusive party in fashion.
Doja Cat Vapes on the Red Carpet
In 2023, Doja Cat made headlines by vaping right behind Emma Chamberlain’s red carpet interview. The moment, caught on camera, spread instantly across social media. For planners, it was a nightmare: a live, televised rule-break with millions watching. The message was clear—no matter how many reminders, some stars just can’t resist the urge to bend (or break) the rules in front of everyone.
Keke Palmer’s Dinner Shade Goes Viral
At the 2021 Met Gala, Keke Palmer snapped a secret photo of her lackluster dinner plate and shared it on Instagram, calling out the menu with a dose of humor. The photo quickly went viral, leading to an avalanche of memes and headlines. For event staff, it was a humbling moment: even the most exclusive meal can become the butt of a joke when served to millions on the internet.
Pusha T and Teyana Taylor’s Chick-fil-A Stunt
Pusha T took things further in 2023 by posting about Teyana Taylor sneaking Chick-fil-A into the Gala’s dinner. The posts highlighted just how far celebs would go to sidestep the fancy menu. Event planners were left exasperated, watching their carefully curated cuisine upstaged by fast food—and the stunt became a rallying cry for guests craving something familiar.
Lizzo’s Met Bathroom TikTok Bash
Lizzo turned the Met’s bathroom into her own stage in 2024, filming a TikTok with Uma Thurman and Stella McCartney. Dancing, laughing, and breaking the “no filming” rule, Lizzo’s video racked up millions of views in hours. Staff could only watch as another private moment went public, the lines between party and performance completely blurred.
Chris Hemsworth’s Selfie Spree
At the 2024 Gala, Chris Hemsworth admitted to taking “heaps of selfies,” stuffing his camera roll with forbidden photos. His playful confession summed up the event’s ongoing struggle: even global superstars can’t resist breaking the rules when the setting is this glamorous. For planners, it’s a losing battle against the lure of instant social media fame.
Billie Eilish’s Forbidden Bathroom Selfie
In 2023, Billie Eilish snapped a bathroom mirror pic with Elle Fanning, Maya Hawke, and Halle Bailey, all standing under a “no smoking, no selfies” sign. The image was posted online within minutes, turning the “forbidden” into the iconic. Event staff were left to clean up the fallout as the selfie became a symbol of rule-breaking cool.
Lil Nas X’s Never-Ending Selfie Saga
Lil Nas X turned the 2023 Met Gala into a selfie marathon, snapping pics with everyone from Ke Huy Quan to Paris Hilton. Each photo broke the event’s strictest rules, but fans loved every moment. Planners tried—and failed—to keep up, as the star’s antics summed up a new era where every moment is meant to be shared.
Anna Wintour Breaks Her Own Fashion Rule
In a twist that stunned even the most jaded insiders, Met Gala queen Anna Wintour herself wore a long black Loewe coat in 2024—breaking her own “no all-black outfits” rule. For event planners, it was the ultimate curveball. If the boss can break the rules, how can anyone else be expected to follow them?
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