Hundreds of Hollywood’s biggest stars took to Manhattan on Monday night for the Met Gala 2023, a tribute to the late Karl Lagerfeld for his contributions to fashion and beyond.
The red carpet that is laid out for this event every year on the first Monday in May draws everyone’s attention because guests tend to wear oversized outfits based on the annual theme.
But the most noisy guest of this year was not invited and did not even bother to appear in a suit – a cockroach.
Photographer Kevin Mazur first spotted the beetle crawling up the stairs. Diversity a few minutes later it was confirmed that the cockroach had been tragically stepped on.
It is with deep sorrow that we must announce #MetGala stepped on a cockroach. #TEAR pic.twitter.com/cqtmfFNaKV
— Variety (@Variety) May 2, 2023
Many have taken to social media to honor the short life of the little beetle and its spectacular walk across the carpet, a true symbol of New York.
I love this cockroach on the gala red carpet so much, it’s like it’s the coolest bug I’ve ever seen, are you kidding me?
— Nicole (@nicolelywill) May 2, 2023
Even the beetles understood the task. #MetGala https://t.co/dupB5yvE8v
— Patrice Snow (@PatriceSnow) May 2, 2023
This beetle is a fashion icon. #MetGala #MetGala2023 https://t.co/MmCfm4Htjj
— Jeremy Fuscaldo is available for commissions (@JeremyFuscaldo) May 2, 2023
New York is New York. I love how everyone made it a funny, laughable moment.
I bet this was the first time some of these celebrities had seen a cockroach in a long time. #metgala #MetGala2023 #insect #insect #bugs #art https://t.co/pNXaj01QvY— JB (@THEJTB0405) May 2, 2023
One of last year’s Met Gala’s most notable guests was Elon Musk, who took the opportunity to talk about his goals and hopes for Twitter, which he was about to buy at the time.
“I’m definitely on a warpath, so if someone is using a bot or trolling me, then I’m definitely their enemy,” Musk told red carpet host La La Anthony last year. Musk was accompanied by his mother May Musk. This year the billionaire did not come.
While guests must be approved by the event organizer and Fashion editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, tickets to the gala that’s benefiting the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, dear.
Tickets for the Met Gala reportedly start at $35,000, and tables can cost between $200,000 and $300,000. Brands and designers usually invite celebrities and other celebrities to their tables.
It is unclear if the cockroach paid its dues before stepping onto the carpet.
Wintour lifted supposed $200 million for the Costume Institute as of 2021.