A cockroach was pictured crawling on the Met Gala’s red carpet last night in New York.
It was clearly intending to scamper up the staircase into the venue after making it past security, to loiter with A-listers inside.
The event was attended by celebrities including Kim Kardashian, Kylie Minogue, Kendall Jenner, Anne Hathaway, Doja Cat, Florence Pugh, Jared Leto, and more.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Met Gala cockroach: the reactions
Not the cockroach being the star of the Met Gala 😭😭 https://t.co/9uujnfY4dw
— ✨ Cortney Miller (Taylor’s Version) ✨ (@CortneyMiller22) May 2, 2023
As the unexpected guest made an appearance, onlookers were heard screeching in delight — and fright.
This year’s carpet was cream, which meant the cockroach stood out more than it otherwise would have done.
The bug caught the attention of onlookers, such as fashion photographers, who pictured the cockroach sporting a six-legged look and a carapace.
Bystanders found it amusing to watch the photographer pretending to crush the critter.
But social media was abuzz, having seen the cockroach make its entrance.
People were excited to uncover what luxury fashion house had dressed the cockroach.
One person wrote on social media: “I didn’t like the look. I feel like he could have complemented his antennas a little better and maybe neutral colors?”
Another joked: “Antman’s costume is 100%!”
“Who was (s)he wearing?” asked one Twitter user, while another tried to mock up a picture of a cockroach wearing a Louis Vuitton outfit.
Cockroaches are common in New York
In New York, cockroaches are a common pest and their presence frequently causes fear and disgust.
However, according to one American Housing Survey, nearly one in six New Yorkers have reported seeing cockroaches in their homes.
So it’s understandable that one was able to make its way to the Met Gala.
One person tweeted: “He’s there to make sure you never forget that this is in New York.”
Variety later reported that the insect’s brief starlit moment had come to a sudden end.
One person said it was an “absolute tragedy” that the cockroach had died.
Someone else said: “Think this is the most devastating news I’ve ever heard (I woke up half an hour ago).”
