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

Selena Gomez did not walk the red carpet at the 2025 Met Gala, despite a widely shared image that showed her in a glamorous gown. The photo in question was created using AI tools and combined Gomez's face with another celebrity’s 2024 Met Gala shot, leading many fans to believe she’d made a surprise appearance.

No accredited photographers or major news outlets captured her at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 5, and her name was absent from all official guest lists. This mix-up highlights how realistic AI-generated images have become and why it’s important to check facts before sharing content online.

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How the AI image of Selena Gomez caused the rumor

An AI-generated photo first appeared on TikTok and X, showing Selena Gomez in what looked like a custom gown posed on the Met Gala steps. In reality, the image was made by swapping Gomez’s face onto another star’s 2024 red-carpet photo, complete with matching lighting and background.

Similar AI-driven fabrications fooled millions in both 2023 and 2024, when fake Gomez images circulated during those gala nights. Viewers often shared the picture without realizing it was not from the recent event, which spread the rumor quickly across social media.

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Selena Gomez wasn't among the celebrities who walked the red carpet

Major outlets like the LA Times and Entertainment covered live arrivals on May 5 and listed stars such as Rihanna, Zendaya, and Simone Biles—yet none mentioned Selena Gomez. The Houston Chronicle noted rumors that Gomez might appear, since she’s a Texas native, but stopped short of confirming her attendance.

Entertainment blogs and wire services provided round-ups of the best-dressed guests, and Selena Gomez was not among them. In every red-carpet gallery from accredited photo agencies, her name and image were absent.

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Selena Gomez wasn't on the official guest list

The Metropolitan Museum of Art does not release full guest lists publicly, but Vogue’s preview of gala co-chairs and host-committee members did not include Gomez’s name. Reports from People magazine and other reputable outlets that track celebrity appearances did not refer to her evening attendance.

When InStyle shared its anticipated guest list, it mentioned top stars and designers under this year’s “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” theme; Selena Gomez was not listed. This absence in multiple predicted lists further confirms she was not on the carpet.

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A source revealed why Gomez skips the event

Looking back at her last confirmed Met Gala in 2018, a source explained to People Magazine in 2024, citing the reason why Selena Gomez often skips the event.

“The singer and actress did not attend fashion’s biggest night because she was busy working,”

Though that quote refers to her reasons in 2024, it reflects her focus on projects over gala appearances. No new statement has been issued for 2025, but the pattern of prioritising work commitments helps explain her absence this year.

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Why verifying matters

High-profile events like the Met Gala attract fake content, since glamorous images spread quickly online. AI tools now create photorealistic fabrications that are hard to spot without checking metadata and source credits.

Before sharing viral pictures, it’s best to consult photo galleries from trusted agencies, look for wire-service credits, or confirm via official social-media accounts of the Met and the celebrity involved. In this case, despite the appeal of seeing Selena Gomez on the red carpet, every reliable source confirms that she did not attend the 2025 Met Gala.