In a shocking turn of events that has taken social media by storm, pop sensation Olivia Rodrigo revealed in a tearful livestream the reason behind her absence from the Met Gala 2025 — and it has everything to do with tech billionaire Elon Musk.
Rodrigo, the 22-year-old singer-songwriter known for her chart-topping hits and Gen Z activism, had been a Met Gala favorite in recent years, praised for her bold fashion and fierce individuality. But fans were stunned this year when she was noticeably absent from the star-studded event held at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Speculation ran wild online, with fan theories ranging from scheduling conflicts to personal health issues. However, Rodrigo broke her silence during an emotionally charged Instagram Live session late Sunday night, saying she was “uninvited” just days before the Gala.
“I wasn’t supposed to say anything,” Rodrigo began, visibly distraught, “but I can’t keep pretending I’m okay. I got a call saying I was no longer on the guest list. And the reason? Elon Musk.”
The young artist went on to explain that her vocal criticism of Musk’s recent moves — particularly regarding his handling of Twitter (now X) — had apparently made her a “liability” for the event’s organizing board. Rodrigo, who had openly mocked Musk’s paid verification system and reposted several memes criticizing his platform changes, believes her political stance ultimately cost her the invitation.
“It’s ridiculous,” she said. “Just because I spoke out about misinformation, harassment, and the way he’s turning social media into a toxic playground — now I’m banned from the Met? That jerk Elon Musk doesn’t get to silence me.”
Neither the Met Gala’s organizing committee nor Elon Musk has publicly responded to her allegations, but the backlash online has been swift and fierce. The hashtag #JusticeForOlivia trended worldwide within hours, with fans, fellow celebrities, and influencers rallying behind Rodrigo. Many criticized the event for prioritizing corporate interests over artistic voices.
Social media watchdogs and cultural commentators also weighed in, highlighting the growing influence of tech billionaires over cultural institutions. “This is not just about one artist missing one night,” tweeted activist Emily Ratajkowski. “It’s about who gets to control the narrative in art and fashion.”
Musk, no stranger to public controversy, has not addressed Rodrigo’s claims directly. However, in a cryptic tweet posted shortly after her livestream, he wrote, “Some people cry wolf, others cry for clout.”
Whether Rodrigo’s exclusion from the Met Gala marks an isolated incident or a broader pattern of silencing dissent remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the 2025 Met Gala will be remembered not just for its fashion, but for the fury surrounding who didn’t walk its red carpet.
