Timothée Chalamet skipped the 2026 Met Gala on Monday night to watch a New York Knicks playoff game [1], [2].

The decision highlights a rare divergence in public appearances for the couple during one of the most high-profile fashion events of the year. While the Met Gala typically serves as a major visibility platform for celebrity couples, Chalamet prioritized a sporting event over the red carpet.

Kylie Jenner attended the event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 4, 2026 [2]. Jenner, a model and entrepreneur, was among the invited guests for the evening's festivities. While she walked the red carpet, Chalamet spent his evening at Madison Square Garden [1], [3].

Chalamet attended the game to support the New York Knicks as they faced the Philadelphia 76ers in a playoff matchup [1]. Sources said the actor chose the game due to his personal interest in the team [1], [3].

Both individuals were in New York City on Monday night, but they spent the evening at separate venues [1], [2]. Chalamet's absence from the gala was noted by observers, as the event is often used by the couple to showcase coordinated fashion statements.

Despite the separation of venues, the couple's presence in the city remained a point of public interest. Chalamet's preference for the playoff atmosphere over the museum's formal attire marked a departure from the typical expectations of the gala's guest list [2], [3].

“Timothée Chalamet skipped the 2026 Met Gala on Monday night to watch a New York Knicks playoff game”

The split attendance suggests a shift in how the couple manages their public image, prioritizing individual interests over the collective branding typically associated with the Met Gala. By opting for a playoff game over a global fashion event, Chalamet signals a preference for personal leisure and sports over the curated visibility of the red carpet.