Jennifer Garner Explained Why She's Only Been to the Met Gala Once

While a ticket to the annual Met Gala may be a dream come true for many people, Jennifer Garner explained that she's been just one time and doesn't think that she'll ever be back. In a new video for Vogue, the actress and mother said that she found the event to be "a little scary" and that, although she remembers her time there fondly, she hasn't been back since. Garner attended the event in 2007.

"I went to the Met ball exactly one time," Garner said. "I found it a little scary, so I haven't been back." 

The theme that year was "Poiret: King of Fashion" and the exhibit honored the late designer Paul Poiret, who was known for adding modernity to the very restrictive styles of women's clothing at the time. Garner went to the event with designer Valentino Garavani.

"I wore — that night — this magical red Valentino gown," she remembered. "And I was his date and that was really majestic and special." 

Of course, Garner isn't against attending other major red carpets. Just this year, she attended the White House State Dinner with her daughter, Violet, and she regularly steps out to promote her films.  

People reports that in 2018, Garner wrote about her experience at the Gala on Instagram.

“You will never appreciate using the bathroom alone until you’ve been sewn into a dress — Met Gala 2007,” she posted alongside a throwback pic.

The publication also notes that Garner isn't alone in having strong feelings about the event. Gwyneth Paltrow, Demi Lovato, Billie Eilish, Ben Platt, Tina Fey, and Madonna’s daughter Lourdes Leon have shared that they didn't have the best time at the annual gala. 

"You're just shoved into a room with all these famous people and you're supposed to talk to them and be their friend, even though you don't fucking know them," Leon, who attended the Met Gala in 2021, told Interview. 

See More