Billy Porter is known for many things, such as his Emmy-winning acting, his Grammy-winning voice, and also his outspokenness. The latter characteristic was on full display when the “Pose” star opened up about his relationship with the famed Met Gala.
In a recent interview, Porter revealed why he hasn’t graced the iconic Met Gala steps since he made his debut at the fashion fundraiser in 2019.
Per Entertainment Weekly, while appearing on SiriusXM’s “Bevelations,” Billy Porter opened up about his ongoing absence from the Met Gala and he didn’t mince words.
When asked if he would be attending this year’s gala, set for May 4, Porter replied, “No, I’m not going,” but that was just the beginning of what he had to say about fashion’s biggest night.
“I have not been invited,” he continued. “I haven’t been invited back since 2019. That’s the only time I’ve ever gone, and the only time I’ve ever been invited, and I was invited by Ryan Murphy that year.”
Porter then spoke about missing last year’s Met Gala, where the theme of Black Dandyism seemed tailored to his bold personal style.
“Last year was Black Dandyism, and I was not invited,” the actor said of the “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme. “I’m just gonna throw that out there. I’m good. It’s all good, but the reality is, when people ask me, you need to know: I was not invited. And I don’t go to places where I’m not welcome.”
“I’ve earned the invitation, and it’s OK that I don’t have it,” Porter added. “Because there’s a level that I’ve reached, that doesn’t require validation from the outside. So I’m gonna sit and live in that, because it helps keep me sane, too.”
Porter Was Reportedly Uninvited To Future Met Galas After Allegedly Calling Anna Wintour A ‘B-tch’
Back in 2023, according to Radar Online, Billy Porter officially had his future Met Gala invitations revoked after referring to “Vogue” head Anna Wintour as a “b-tch” over Harry Styles’ cover of the magazine, where the former One Direction singer wore a dress.
Insiders revealed at the time that Porter’s “invitation to the all-important Met Gala was revoked, and his once-favorable standing with top-tier designers has been shaken.”
The source added, “While Billy is a sensation on the fashion scene, the designers have rallied behind Anna, a true titan of the industry.”
The ‘Pose’ Star Previously Expressed His Frustration With Harry Styles’ ‘Vogue’ Cover, and Feeling Overlooked In Fashion
In a 2021 interview with the Sunday Times, Porter said he “changed the whole game” with his fearless, androgynous fashion style. “And that is not ego, that is just fact. I was the first one doing it, and now everybody is doing it.”
He continued, adding, “I feel like the fashion industry has accepted me because they have to. I’m not necessarily convinced, and here is why: I created the conversation, and yet ‘Vogue’ still put Harry Styles, a straight white man, in a dress on their cover for the first time.”
Porter made it clear that his issue wasn’t with the pop star, but those who rule the fashion world.
“This is politics for me. This is my life. I had to fight my entire life to get to the place where I could wear a dress to the Oscars and not be gunned down. All he has to do is be white and straight,” he said.
A Vogue spokesperson responded to Porter’s criticism and acknowledged his strides in advancing discussions on genderless fashion,
“We, of course, regret that Billy feels as he does, and ‘Vogue’ completely recognizes the tremendous amount of work he has done driving the conversation forward around genderless fashion,” the magazine said.
Billy Porter Recently Shared The Details Of His Terrifying Sepsis Battle
While appearing on the “Outlaws” podcast hosted by TS Madison, Porter revealed that he dealt with a harrowing infection that put him in a coma that left him “dead for three days.”
“I was dead for three days. I am a miracle. I’m a walking miracle,” he said.
“When I woke up, they told me my leg had gone into compartment syndrome, which is when the muscles close in on themselves and cut off the oxygen,” Porter continued.
‘Cabaret’ Continued Despite Porter’s Health Issues
The show was slated to end on October 21, but Porter’s absence has pushed the final performance to September 21.
“His doctors are confident that he will make a full recovery, but have advised him to maintain a restful schedule,“ per a message from “Cabaret” producers.
Porter was replaced by Marty Lauter and David Merino for the show’s final two weeks.
