Emmy winner Billy Porter reveals he has not been invited back to the Met Gala since 2019: ‘I’m not welcome’

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Billy Porter is clear about where he feels welcome, and he says the Met Gala isn’t on that list.

The acclaimed 56-year-old actor, famous for winning a Tony Award for his work in Kinky Boots, a Grammy, and an Emmy for Pose, first appeared at the celebrated event in 2019.

For the annual Met Gala, which had a ‘Camp: Notes on Fashion’ theme, the actor made a striking entrance in a shimmering gold outfit inspired by ancient Egyptian art. In a dramatic nod to Cleopatra, he was carried into the event by a group of shirtless attendants.

Although people loved his daring outfits, Porter says he won’t be attending the Met Gala anymore.

He recently shared on SiriusXM’s Revelations that he hasn’t received an invitation to the Met Gala since 2019, when asked if he planned to attend this year’s event.

Billy Porter, invited to the event in 2019 by Glee creator Ryan Murphy, openly talked about feeling left out.

Last year’s Met Gala focused on the ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’ exhibit, which honored Black fashion and the history of dandyism.

He stated plainly, ‘Just so you know, I’m fine with everything. But the truth is, I wasn’t invited, and that’s okay with me. I simply don’t go anywhere I haven’t been asked.’

He added, ‘I’ve earned the invitation.’

The star shared that he’s come to terms with the situation.

He said he doesn’t need approval from others, and focusing on his own internal sense of peace is what helps him stay grounded.

The annual Met Gala will be held on May 4, 2026, honoring the Costume Institute’s new exhibit, ‘Costume Art.’ Guests are expected to follow a ‘Fashion is Art’ dress code.

The 2026 event, led by co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour, will focus on fashion and the human form, and will introduce 25 new mannequins representing a wide range of diversity.

Ticket prices are set at $100,000 for individuals, with tables starting at $350,000. 

News that Billy Porter wasn’t invited to the Met Gala surfaced just weeks after he shared a harrowing story about his recent health crisis. He’d previously revealed he was critically ill with sepsis and nearly died, describing his recovery as miraculous.

Eddie Porter had to leave his role as the Emcee in Cabaret last September because of a health issue. He explained that what he expected to be a simple kidney stone removal turned into a dangerous medical emergency.

Doctors discovered a severe infection behind the stone that spread rapidly, becoming urosepsis.

Porter described finding a large amount of pus, bile, and infection behind the kidney stone when it was removed. He said on the Outlaws with TS Madison podcast that this quickly led to a serious urinary infection.

Porter was extremely ill, requiring doctors to use an ECMO machine to support his body and keep him in a medically induced coma for several days.

He explained that he had been on ECMO, a life support machine, and was clinically dead for three days. ‘I’m a miracle,’ he said, ‘a walking miracle.’

After waking up from being on life support, doctors explained that his legs had developed compartment syndrome – a serious condition where swelling cuts off blood supply to the muscles.

He remembers doctors having to make incisions on both sides of his leg, extending from his knee to his hip, and leaving the wound open for two days to save his leg.

Porter completely recovered and was incredibly thankful to be alive. He said, ‘I feel so lucky.’

The singer’s near-death experience has completely transformed his perspective on life. 

While recovering in the hospital, I kept hearing a few important messages,” Porter explained. “First, someone told me to work smarter, not just harder. Then, I was urged to be obedient and respond when called upon. And finally, I was reminded to always tell the truth.

‘I unconsciously silenced myself for fear that I wouldn’t be on the A-list anymore.’

In 2021, Porter revealed he has been living with HIV since 2007.  

He recalled 2007 as the most difficult year of his life, expressing disappointment that his generation – one expected to be more informed – still allowed certain events to unfold.

I received a Type 2 diabetes diagnosis in February, filed for bankruptcy in March, and then learned I was HIV-positive in June. It was a devastating few months.

The performer shared that after keeping his health issue hidden for years, finally talking about it felt like a way to heal.

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2026-04-24 00:49