A man attempted to breach security at the 2026 Met Gala by leaping over metal fencing in an apparent bid to run up the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s iconic steps.
The event was held on Monday, May 4, in New York City, celebrating the “Costume Art” exhibition.
Footage shared by NBC News showed the man, dressed in a denim jacket and black bandana, being swiftly restrained by security guards before reaching the red carpet.
Police later escorted him away from the entrance.
The brief incident caused a moment of disruption during the high-profile evening, with reports from the scene indicating that the commotion interrupted several celebrity interviews on the red carpet.
The last notable interruption at the Met Gala occurred in 2023, when a cockroach briefly sparked reactions from attendees and fans online.
This year’s gala, themed “Fashion is Art,” was co-chaired by Anna Wintour alongside Beyoncé, Venus Williams, and Nicole Kidman.
Beyoncé’s appearance drew particular attention as it marked her return to the Met Gala red carpet after a decade, accompanied by her daughter Blue Ivy.
The motive behind the attempted breach has not been officially confirmed.
However, some reports suggest the individual may have been linked to protest groups demonstrating against extreme wealth and the event’s perceived association with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
Prior to the gala, protesters gathered under slogans such as “Tax the Rich” to voice opposition to billionaire influence.
On social media, reactions were divided. One user, Barett, wrote, “If only they protected our families with the same vigor.” Another, Justin, commented, “That PERSON IS CHRIS SMALLS.. get it right.”