Inside the notoriously private Met Gala: Rare photos reveal what really goes on after the red carpet is over
The first Monday of May always means it's time for the biggest fashion event on everyone's calendar: the Met Gala.
But although the first part of the event – the celebrity arrivals– are always highly publicised, it is not really known what goes on inside the gala... until now.
The event traditionally has a strict no phones policy, preventing guests from sharing the goings-on of the exclusive soiree. But at the 2025 event on Monday, professional cameras were inside to capture some rare photos of the A-listers in their element.
And we've got a bunch of them right here.
LIVE UPDATES: All the best red carpet looks and celebrity appearances
A$AP Rocky and Rihanna are seen walking inside the Met Gala with Swizz Beatz and Alicia Keys. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
News of Rihanna's pregnancy spread like wildfire throughout the gala after her partner and Met Gala Co-chair A$AP Rocky confirmed the news in an interview.
Fans thought Rihanna might not make an appearance, but she surprised us all with a stunning corseted look draping her pregnant belly on the red carpet.
Once inside the event, photos show that stars took the opportunity to congratulate the singer, with Ciara hugging her friend and rubbing her belly.
Though phones aren't allowed inside the venue, there were a couple of rule-breakers in the midst.
IN PICTURES: All the stunning red carpet arrivals at the 2025 Met Gala
Ciara excitedly hugged Rihanna, rubbing her pregnant belly. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
Stella McCartney kissed Rihanna's belly. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
Halle Bailey was caught sneaking a selfie with Sydney Sweeney and Lisa of Blackpink. Getty Images for The Met Museum/
Halle Bailey was caught sneaking a selfie with Sydney Sweeney and Lisa of Blackpink.
Meanwhile, Megan Thee Stallion not only snuck her phone in, but even edited a video compilation of all the stars she managed to take a snap with.
She spent a substantial amount of time taste-testing hors d'oeuvres with WNBA player Angel Reeves and fellow rapper Doechii.
Megan Thee Stallion, Angel Reese and Doechii gave their critique on the food inside the Gala. Instagram/@theestallion
Megan Thee Stallion edited videos with many stars like Serena Williams all together. Instagram/@theestallion
Tracee Ellis Ross told the rapper off for her antics. Instagram/@theestallion
She also took quick videos with Serena Williams, Cynthia Erivo, and Tessa Thompson, saying in the video "I took the tape off", seemingly indicating that celebrities' phones are taped over the camera to prevent any images leaking.
One star reprimanded the rapper for her antics, with Tracee Ellis Ross jokingly telling her "put your phone away" as Doja Cat posed behind them.
READ MORE: 'Prince Harry spotted at the Met Gala': Jaws dropped when this familiar-looking redhead appeared
Usher delivered a colourful performance. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
Sabrina Carpenter was included in his performance. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
The Met Gala usually comprises of a big performance by a high-profile artist, and this years' pick was Usher.
He dressed in a snazzy satin and bejewelled red suit as dancers behind him matched in equally dazzling coloured pants.
He also took the opportunity to tease Sabrina Carpenter, dangling a cheery over her mouth.
Doja Cat and Kim Kardashian had a chat. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, Andrew Scott, and Tessa Thompson were excited to see each other. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
The Met Gala also provides opportunities for celebrities to cross paths with those they normally wouldn't meet.
Doja Cat and Kim Kardashian were seen having a conversation, while Dua Lipa, Callum Turner, Andrew Scott, and Tessa Thompson all embraced each other inside the exhibit.
Zoe Saldaña, Wendi Deng Murdoch and Grace Murdoch kicked their feet up. Getty Images for The Met Museum/
Stevie Wonder and Anna Wintour posed together. Kevin Mazur/Getty Images for The
After a night of festivities, some A-Listers were seen taking a rest from their intense high heels.
Zoe Saldaña, Wendi Deng Murdoch and Grace Murdoch chose the same bench to kick their feet up on.
The marvellous gala couldn't end without an appearance from the woman of the hour, Anna Wintour herself. She's seen taking a snap alongside Stevie Wonder.
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