Timothee Chalamet skips Met Gala to catch Knicks playoff game

For the second year in a row, Timothee Chalamet proved that his loyalty to the New York Knicks outweighs even fashion’s biggest night. 

While his partner of three years, Kylie Jenner, stunned on the Met Gala red carpet in a Schiaparelli gown and bleached eyebrows, Chalamet was three miles downtown at Madison Square Garden. 

Jenner last year walked the storied Fifth Avenue steps solo as Chalamet stayed home to watch the Knicks play the Boston Celtics in Game 1 of their series.

Kylie Jenner is considered “part of the furniture” at the Met, having been a staple attendee and major headline-maker of the event since 2016. Conversely, Chalamet has become a fixture on “Celebrity Row” at the Garden, often celebrating wildly with fans-a contrast to his single appearance as a Met Gala co-chair in 2021.

The criticism was faced by director Spike Lee, who was mocked for attending the Met Gala last year instead of a crucial Knicks game. 

This year, Lee appeared to learn from backlash; he attended the game at the Garden but brought a touch of “Met-style” flair by carrying a basketball-shaped bag. Director Spike Lee faced similar criticism last year when he was mocked for attending the Met Gala instead of a crucial Knicks game. 

This year, Lee appeared to learn from the backlash; he attended the game at the Garden but brought a touch of “Met-style” flair by carrying a basketball-shaped bag. With the Knicks tipping off at 8:00 p.m. and the Met Gala carpet starting at 6:00 p.m., attending both was impossible due to the rigid schedules and high profiles of those involved.

While Chalamet’s decision is a “boon” to the Knicks’ fanbase, it suggests there may be some “awkwardness” at home, given Jenner’s consistent support for him during his own career milestones. 

The Knicks defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 137-98 last night in a dominant Game 1 performance. Meanwhile, the theme for the 2026 Met Gala was “Costume Art” and Kylie Jenner’s Schiaparelli look is currently the top-trending fashion story. 

Despite the solo walk, the couple was spotted together at the Broadway show The Fear of 13 on Sunday, confirming they are still much together. Chalamet has clearly made his choice to stand with the long-suffering Knicks fan base.