Met Gala 2024 saw the emergence of AI and deepfake technology as manipulated images of Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, who were absent from the event, went viral online.
Rihanna, Katy Perry, and Lady Gaga, notable absences from the Met Gala 2024, became the focal points of digitally altered images circulating from ‘fashion’s biggest night.’ The three renowned singers, though absent from the annual affair, found themselves at the center of a viral digital phenomenon.
Rihanna, anticipated to grace the event with her presence, was featured in an AI-generated image wearing a striking ivory and green gown, complete with an elaborate shoulder accent towering over her head. As reported by People Magazine, the singer had to cancel her attendance due to a bout of flu.
Katy Perry also fell victim to the deepfake trend, as images of her circulated on Instagram donning an ethereal ivory and green ball gown adorned with intricate foliage details. The convincing forgery even fooled Perry’s mother, prompting the singer to issue a cautionary message on her Instagram, “lol mom the AI got you too, BEWARE!” In the manipulated image, Perry is seen posing near a red and beige carpet instead of the white and green carpet of the Met Gala.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Moments later, another user on X shared a different image of Perry. She’s adorned in a bronze corset resembling a key to a garden. Unlike the initial image, this one aligns perfectly with the gala’s color palette and theme. However, the floral skirt appears to be digitally added, creating an unnatural look, particularly with the lighting on her corset.
“Katy Perry at home, lounging on the couch, watching Peppa Pig with her daughter while viewing AI-edited versions of herself at #MetGala,” commented one X user, while another remarked, “More likes and retweets than actual celebrity pictures at the Met Gala.”
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” was accompanied by a dress code inspired by “The Garden of Time,” which evidently influenced the AI-generated gown designs. Despite their absence, these three stars left a notable impression on the fashion world, albeit through digitally manipulated imagery.