The Met Gala is usually a spectacle of high fashion and daring looks, but this year, EJ Johnson, son of NBA legend Magic Johnson, wasn’t impressed. In fact, he went on Instagram to declare the 2026 event a “graveyard” of fashion, and he didn’t hold back his critique of the celebrity attendees.
A ‘Graveyard’ of Fashion Fails
Johnson, a prominent media personality and socialite, shared his unfiltered thoughts in an Instagram reel. He didn’t mince words, describing the overall fashion at the “Costume Art” themed gala as “awful on awful and awful, and then a little more awful.” It seems the star power of many attendees didn’t translate into memorable fashion moments for him.
He specifically called out some of the biggest names in attendance, including Beyoncé, Rihanna, and Kim Kardashian, suggesting they failed to deliver on the fashion front. Johnson’s critique wasn’t just about personal taste; he felt that even celebrities with immense cultural influence weren’t living up to the Met Gala’s high standards.
Beyoncé’s Look Under Fire
The review got particularly sharp when Johnson discussed Beyoncé’s ensemble. He didn’t hold back, comparing her look to both the Grim Reaper and the animated supervillain Skeletor. For Johnson, this wasn’t about who was famous, but about the actual execution of the outfits.
The Lone Exception: Emma Chamberlain
Amidst the widespread criticism, there was one standout for EJ Johnson: influencer Emma Chamberlain. He praised her hand-painted custom Mugler gown, calling her the only one who truly “came to work.” Johnson admired her ability to channel vintage Mugler, stating it looked “so beautiful on her.” This highlights that for Johnson, true fashion success lies in thoughtful design and execution.
A Plea to Let the Gala Go?
Johnson concluded his critique with a rather dramatic plea: “Let the Met Ball go.” He expressed such strong disappointment that he even threatened to shed a tear. Whether his strong opinions resonate with fashion enthusiasts or not, EJ Johnson made it clear that he’s not interested in sugarcoating his fashion critiques.
Do you agree with EJ Johnson’s take on the 2026 Met Gala fashion? Let us know your favorite (or least favorite) looks in the comments below!