Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters nearly disrupted the Met Gala on Monday evening, coming within a block of the event before being held back by New York police and metal barricades.
Chanting "Rafah!, Gaza!", some protesters aimed to crash the gala, while others claimed they were unaware of it. Throughout the protest, police were seen guiding the demonstrators through New York's Upper East Side, ensuring they did not disrupt the gala attendees who were eager to catch a glimpse of their favorite celebrities.
Residents of the affluent area, along with dog-walkers and doormen, expressed surprise but not shock at the clash of passions. One doorman in uptown Manhattan remarked on the escalating scene outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the venue for the Costume Institute fundraiser, stating, "I would say that in the past five years, it’s gone nuts. Now they’re closing off the streets, and people are coming dressed up to watch."
Outside The Mark Hotel, a hotspot for celebrities and their entourages preparing for their red-carpet entrance, onlookers expressed excitement at the prospect of seeing famous faces like Zendaya, Beyoncé, and Blake Lively. Some mentioned their appreciation for the effort, style, and luxury displayed at the event.
Naya Purnsley, more interested in art than fashion, found the Met Gala to be a blend of both worlds. She commented on the floral-themed attire of gala attendees while Sara Vaquero, visiting from Spain, noted the event's global popularity, citing its $22 million fundraising success from ticketing fees.
Amanda Aussieker, a New Yorker attending the event, hoped to catch a glimpse of a star in an "inside out" outfit, reflecting on the gala's theme, "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," as spiritually significant. Despite the proximity of fashion crowds and protesters outside the Carlyle, where flowers for the event were being delivered all day, the atmosphere remained charged.
Inside Hunter College, the starting point for the night's protest, supporters acknowledged the unlikelihood of getting near the gala due to NYPD restrictions. The union workers from Condé Nast, the parent company of Vogue magazine and organizer of the Met Gala, had reached a tentative agreement, averting a planned disruption. However, members of the Model Alliance, seeking improved contracts for models and fashion workers, were present to show their support.
Despite the potential for conflict, the red carpet remained serene as celebrities discussed their looks and inspirations. Notable appearances included singer Lana Del Rey in an Alexander McQueen dress and Zendaya in two distinct looks. Lieba Nesis, a society writer, emphasized the exclusivity of the event, stating that protesters had no chance of reaching the gala due to the celebrities' massive followings and meticulous preparation.
The evening's festivities occurred against the backdrop of severe weather warnings, including tornadoes and hail, affecting several states. Forecasters warned of a significant tornado outbreak in the central U.S., extending from Texas to the Dakotas, with the risk expected to increase into the evening.