Nicki Minaj has reportedly been “shut out” of the 2026 Met Gala due to her “loud and unapologetic” behavior on and off-stage.
The annual event, scheduled for May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, is overseen by Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, who curates its high-profile guest list. According to reports, Minaj’s absence follows a series of public controversies and industry tensions.
The update on the Grammy Award-winning rapper’s banning comes from from Naughty But Nice‘s Rob Shuter.
“Nicki’s invitations didn’t just slow down — they vanished,” he said ahead of the event. “Hollywood stopped returning her calls. This isn’t subtle anymore. She’s been shut out.”
“There’s an invisible wall around her now,” the insider said.
“And no one wants to be seen opening the gate.”
Minaj has been a reoccuring attendee to the star-studded event, wearing head turning fashion looks.
Sources indicate that Minaj’s recent political statements and appearances have contributed to the situation. A notable moment cited was her appearance at Turning Point USA’s AmericaFest in Phoenix, Arizona, in December 2025, where she spoke about political figures and addressed her past views, stating, “It’s ok to change your mind.”
“That was it,” a source said. “Hollywood doesn’t forgive this kind of alignment — especially when it’s loud and unapologetic.
In December, Minaj took aim at California Governor Gavin Newsom, slammed transgender healthcare for minors, and made other controversial outbursts.
She then continued boasting about President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. In January, Minaj called herself President Trump’s “number one fan.” The rapper, who once encouraged her gay fans to “be brave,” has switched stances to align herself with a party that actively tries to erase DEI programs and push legislation that undermines the rights of LGBTQIA+ students.
Her ongoing public dispute with Roc Nation, – primarily centered on its founder JAY-Z and CEO Desiree Perez, have also contributed to her exclusion from the annual event.
“Between the politics and the Roc Nation war, nobody wants to touch this,” another insider said. “There’s no formal ban — just a collective step back.”
Minaj last attended the Met Gala in 2025, wearing a custom Thom Browne design. The 2026 theme, “Costume Art,” will focus on fashion as a sculptural and embodied art form, with a dress code encouraging creative interpretation of clothing and the body.