A decade ago, within the opulent yet surprisingly mundane setting of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s restroom, a legendary selfie was born. Kylie Jenner orchestrated the gathering, capturing a constellation of stars – A$AP Rocky, Kendall Jenner, Paris Jackson, Kim Kardashian, Lily Aldridge, and Sean “Diddy” Combs – in a single, illicit frame.
The act itself was a quiet rebellion. Anna Wintour, the event’s formidable chair, has long maintained a strict no-photography policy beyond the grand staircase. Celebrities, however, have always found creative ways to circumvent the rule, and the restroom became their sanctuary for a quick, clandestine capture.
Fast forward to the 2026 Met Gala, and the tradition was resurrected. Indian model Bhavitha Mandava took on the mantle, assembling Margot Robbie, Ayo Edebiri, Rachel Sennott, and the entire BlackPink ensemble – Jisoo, Jennie, Rosé, and Lisa – for a modern echo of Jenner’s iconic shot.
Mandava playfully captioned the image, “Felt cute, might delete later,” acknowledging the inherent risk. The response was immediate and enthusiastic, with fans celebrating the glimpse behind the velvet rope and the return of a beloved, rule-breaking ritual.
However, the legacy of the original 2017 selfie is now undeniably shadowed. The grinning presence of Sean Combs, prominently featured in the photograph, casts a dark pall over the memory.
Combs is currently incarcerated, serving a four-year sentence after being convicted on charges of sex trafficking and transportation for prostitution. Despite his previous denials, the verdict has irrevocably altered the perception of that once-glamorous moment.
The image, once a symbol of carefree celebrity indulgence, now serves as a stark reminder of hidden darkness. It’s a difficult association to shake, even amidst the spectacle of the Met Gala’s artistry.
This year’s gala offered plenty of other captivating moments to focus on. Nicole Kidman’s whimsical description of her feathered gown, Bad Bunny’s dramatic age transformation with prosthetics, and Heidi Klum’s breathtaking portrayal of a living statue – a perfect embodiment of the “Fashion is Art” theme – all provided welcome diversions.
While the restroom selfie tradition has been revived, the weight of the past lingers. It’s a reminder that even within the most glamorous of settings, shadows can – and often do – exist.
