Hailey Bieber made her return to the Met Gala, without her husband and with an unexpected prop in hand.
On May 5, 2025, the first Monday of the month, the Rhode Skin founder hit the blue carpet at New York City’s iconic event, marking her second-ever appearance. This year’s theme was ‘Superfine: Tailoring Black Style’.
For her take on the night’s dress code, Hailey went pantsless, rocking a chic black double-breasted blazer mini dress paired with sheer black tights. She completed her look with black heels and layered on Tiffany & Co. diamonds, including a necklace, earrings, rings, and a wristwatch.
Keeping things minimal, Hailey opted for rosy pink cheeks, her signature nude brown lips, and wore her brunette locks loose.
Hailey Bieber opts for a classic look in sky-high platforms at the #MetGala2025. See all the latest arrivals here: https://t.co/yLxfkQ2T1Y pic.twitter.com/jcCpf9PxOg
— British Vogue (@BritishVogue) May 6, 2025
In paparazzi captured images, Hailey was notably seen holding a glass of martini in hand as she left The Carlyle Hotel en route to fashion’s biggest night.
The glass appeared to be full, complete with several olives. The model also cheerfully waved to the flashing cameras with her free hand.
Hailey Bieber for the met gala 2025 ☆ pic.twitter.com/uT07qSDULj
— favs pop culture ⋆ ˚｡⋆ (@favspopculture) May 6, 2025
Justin Bieber Skips Met Gala To Vacation With Friends In Iceland
As Hailey walked the event solo, the internet couldn’t help but wonder: where was Justin?
It was soon revealed that the Peaches singer skipped the Met Gala to watch his all-time favorite hockey team, the Toronto Maple Leafs, win the first game of their NHL postseason series against the Florida Panthers, while vacationing with friends in Iceland.
Justin’s absence also followed an Instagram post from May 4, where he appeared to be smoking from a bong. The post only added fuel to his ongoing scandal over being spotted smoking weed and using bongs in public spaces and on camera.
Just days earlier, on April 20, a now-viral clip from Coachella’s second weekend, showed Justin dancing, jumping around, and appearing to take a hit from a blunt-like object, right next to his underage 15-year-old half-brother, Jaxon.
In the brief video, Hailey was seen quickly stepping in, gently placing a hand on Jaxon’s back and seeming to whisper something to him as he turned and walked away from Bieber.
The moment sparked a fresh wave of backlash online, with many slamming the pop star for his behavior in public.
i kinda feel bad for #her!? because she had to take justin’s little brother out of there because his junkie brother was doing drugs next to him 😭 like girl stand up pic.twitter.com/9ZA7CQZ3zp
— ً (@ultravlcz) April 20, 2025
Fans Split Over The Bieber Couple’s Solo Appearances
The online community is divided over Hailey and Justin doing their own thing on Met Gala night. Some fans praised Hailey for showing up to the event solo, while others took it as yet another sign that trouble’s brewing in Bieberland. Some supportive comments read,
“Normalize couples going out separately from time to time!”
“Come on guys. Bieber’s fave hockey team is playing”.
“Let them live the way they want please !”
Meanwhile, critics commented,
“Just break up we’re tired of the headlines”.
“The drunk desperate for the Hollywood limelight wife 😂😂😂 and he’s out 🏌️♂️ 😂😂😂😂”
“I’m not surprised. Their is a marriage on the rocks….”
Whether it’s fashion statements or headline-making absences, the Biebers sure know how to keep the internet talking.
One thing’s clear: solo or not, every move Hailey and Justin make stays under the fan radar.