Advertisement
Basketball icon LeBron James was all set to make his big debut at this year’s Met Gala, but just hours before the red carpet rolled out, he dropped some disappointing news—he won’t be attending after all. The 40-year-old NBA superstar announced that a recent knee injury is forcing him to sit this one out, despite being an honorary chair for the night.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, LeBron shared,
“Unfortunately because of my knee injury I sustained at the end of the season I won’t be able to attend the Met Gala in NY tonight as so many people have been asking and congratulating me on! Hate to miss an historical event!”
For those out of the loop, LeBron suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his left knee during the Lakers’ playoff game on April 30. It’s not a minor bruise—it’s the kind of injury that needs serious rest and recovery. While fans were excited to see the basketball legend trade his jersey for some high-fashion couture, health clearly takes priority.
But the James family won’t go completely unrepresented at fashion’s biggest night—LeBron confirmed that his wife, Savannah James, will still attend on his behalf. So we’ll still get a taste of their signature elegance on the red carpet.
This year’s Met Gala theme is “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”, celebrating the legacy and impact of Black menswear throughout history. The dress code, titled “Tailored for You,” is a nod to individuality, cultural expression, and creative tailoring. It’s based on the exhibition curated by Andrew Bolton and draws inspiration from the book Slaves to Fashion by Monica L. Miller—a deep dive into how Black style has evolved from the 1700s to now.
Although LeBron won’t be there, he was in incredible company. The co-chairs for the night include actor Colman Domingo, racing champion Lewis Hamilton, rapper A$AP Rocky, musician Pharrell Williams, and long-time Met Gala leader Anna Wintour.
The guest list is packed with big names like Simone Biles and her husband Jonathan Owens, Usher, Regina King, Angel Reese, Spike Lee, and Doechii—all part of the official host committee for the night.
The Met Gala isn’t just about fashion and fame—it’s a massive fundraiser for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Last year alone, it brought in $26 million, but this year? It’s already made history with a whopping $31 million raised, breaking records in the event’s 77-year legacy.
Can’t make it to NYC? No worries—you can catch all the celebrity arrivals and jaw-dropping looks on Vogue’s livestream, starting at 3 PM PST on YouTube and other platforms.