Did Katy Perry attend the Met Gala in a custom-made Mugler dress? Viral AI pics stir rumors

Katy Perry The Lifetimes Tour 2025 - Source: Getty
Katy Perry The Lifetimes Tour 2025 - Source: Getty

In early May 2025, a set of images showing Katy Perry on the red carpet of the 2024 Met Gala in a Mugler gown began circulating on social media, but these pictures were not real photographs; they were created by artificial intelligence. The fake images matched the gala’s “Sleeping Beauties” theme so well that many fans, and even celebrity-watch accounts, believed they were genuine.

Among those fooled was Katy Perry’s mother, who texted her about the “gorgeous” gown before realizing it was a deepfake. To set the record straight, Perry shared the images on her Instagram Stories and explained that she was working in the studio, not attending the event.

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AI images gave a false impression that Katy Perry walked the gala carpet

Late on a Monday night, fan accounts on X and TikTok posted two distinct AI-generated renders of Katy Perry in floral gowns that appeared to be by Mugler. One image showed her in a ball gown covered with flowers and butterflies, and another depicted her in a black corset with a shiny skirt.

These posts quickly amassed millions of views, with one tweet alone surpassing 11 million views before fact-checkers responded. Observers later noted small mistakes that revealed their synthetic origin.


Last year too, AI images tricked fans before Katy Perry set things straight

On May 6, 2024, Katy Perry reposted the AI-generated Met Gala images to her Instagram Stories with the caption,

“Couldn’t make it to the MET, had to work,” clarifying she had not attended the gala.

She then shared a screenshot of her mother’s text

“Didn’t know you went to the Met. What a gorgeous gown. You look like the Rose Parade”

Followed by Perry’s reply,

“Lol mom, the AI got you too. BEWARE!”.

To support her message, she added a brief video clip from her recording studio, proving she was busy making music rather than walking the red carpet. Observers later pointed out subtle errors in the AI renders, odd lighting, and duplicated backgrounds that betrayed the artificial origin. By sharing personal footage and messages, Perry ensured fans knew the viral images were clever fabrications, not genuine event photos.


Experts share tips on spotting AI-generated fakes

Media literacy specialists advise looking for visual clues, such as inconsistent shadows, odd backgrounds, and fingers that look warped, to spot AI-generated images. Sam Gregory from Witness recommends users verify images by checking for official photos, videos, or statements from trusted outlets before sharing.

Fact-checking sites have noted that repeated background elements and distorted hands are common giveaways in AI deepfakes. By learning these simple checks, fans can avoid spreading false images in the future.


Why this episode matters for fans and the media

This incident shows how quickly AI can create believable yet false content, blurring the line between real and fake. For celebrities, it highlights the need to monitor and address misinformation before it spreads widely.

For fans and news outlets, it highlights the importance of media literacy and fact-checking, especially in the age of AI tools. As AI technology advances, developing habits like seeking multiple sources and official confirmations will help everyone navigate digital content more safely.

Also Read: Did Selena Gomez attend 2025 Met Gala? Viral AI generated picture sparks rumors

Edited by Sangeeta Mathew