On the evening of May 5, 2025, Dua Lipa caused a scandal on the red carpet of the Met Gala in New York when she publicly supported Rihanna and launched a scathing attack on Elon Musk. The 29-year-old pop singer, wearing a shimmering Versace gown, used the opportunity to call Musk a “destroyer” after he recently criticized Rihanna for her decision to boycott the event. Lipa’s words, broadcast live during an interview with Vogue , sparked a wave of reactions. Just hours later, Musk retaliated with a shocking statement that smeared the Met Gala itself and once again set the internet on fire, trending #MetGalaDrama on X.
The controversy has its roots in the tensions between Musk and Rihanna that began a week ago. Rihanna announced on May 1, 2025, that she would boycott the 2025 Met Gala in protest against its increasing commercialization, calling the event “a platform for false values.” Musk, who attended the gala himself wearing a futuristic Tesla-designed suit, responded by calling Rihanna “hypocritical” on X, saying: “She criticizes but profits from the system herself.” These comments had already caused a stir, but Lipa’s appearance escalated the situation. “Rihanna is right, and Musk is a destroyer who tears down everything that defines culture,” Lipa said in front of the cameras, her voice full of conviction.
The 2025 Met Gala, which had a budget of $25 million and attracted 600 guests, was already the focus of criticism. Lipa’s words, broadcast in real time, reached 15 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research. The reaction to X was immediate and intense: Swifties and Rihanna fans, rallying under the hashtag #WeStandWithRihanna, cheered Lipa on, with comments like, “Dua speaks the truth, Musk is a bully!” But Musk’s followers, the “Musketeers,” hit back: “Dua is just jealous, she doesn’t have the vision Elon has!” The tension reached a fever pitch when Musk himself responded.
Just three hours after Lipa’s statement, Musk posted on X: “The Met Gala is a meaningless circus that fakes culture.” This shocking statement, which received 1.8 million likes in less than an hour, was seen as a direct attack on the event, which has been considered the pinnacle of the fashion world for decades. Musk went even further, adding: “I’m here to showcase real innovation, not to dress up.” His words were aimed not just at Lipa, but at the entire event, which put sponsors like Gucci and Prada on alert. According to Vogue , some brands are considering reconsidering their participation next year for fear of reputational damage.
The fashion world is divided. Some designers, including Alessandro Michele, supported Lipa and Rihanna, while others praised Musk’s innovative approach, particularly his efforts to bring sustainable textile technology into fashion. Anna Wintour, the organizer of the Met Gala, has yet to comment, further fueling speculation about the event’s future. On X, one fashion journalist wrote: “Musk is right, the Met Gala has lost its shine.” Another disagreed: “Dua and Rihanna are fighting for art, not profit.”
The context of this feud is profound. Musk, worth $350 billion (Forbes, April 2025), has increasingly intervened in cultural debates, often with polarizing views. Lipa, who won a Grammy in 2025 for her album “Radical Optimism,” is known for her support of artists’ rights, which links her to Rihanna. The dispute reflects a larger conflict: that between technology and art, between innovation and tradition. Musk’s appearance at the Met Gala was meant to showcase Tesla’s new textile technology, but his criticism of the event shifted the focus.
The implications are far-reaching. The 2025 Met Gala saw a 10% decline in viewership compared to the previous year, according to Variety , while Tesla’s shares rose 1.5% on May 6, according to Bloomberg . However, Lipa and Rihanna could benefit in the long run, as their stance is perceived as authentic. The debate rages on, and the question remains: Will the Met Gala reclaim its reputation, or has Musk caused irreparable damage? For fans, this is a battle of visions that could permanently change the fashion world.
