Grammy-winning rapper Megan Thee Stallion is setting the record straight after speculation swirled that she had been banned from the 2025 Met Gala for breaking the event’s long-standing no-phone policy.
In an exclusive interview with PEOPLE on Tuesday, May 13, Megan, 30, firmly denied claims that her cell phone usage during the prestigious fashion event led to a ban, calling the rumors completely false.
“No. We’re gonna dead these rumors right now, OK?” Megan said. “People are like, ‘Oh my God, Megan, you got banned from the Met Gala.’ No, I didn’t, babe. Like, that’s not true.”
Megan continued, “Y’all made that up and ran with it. They love making [stuff] up. Anna [Wintour] loves me, babe. That’s why my phone was out.”
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The Houston native, known for her dynamic personality and unapologetic style, documented parts of her Met Gala evening on Instagram, including a clip filmed inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where she shared laughs and bites of food alongside rapper Doechii and WNBA star Angel Reese. “We’re not supposed to have our phones, but we’re doing it anyway,” Megan said in the May 5 video.
Despite the formal rule, Megan was far from the only attendee to break the no-phones code. Other celebrities were also seen snapping photos and videos, particularly in the venue’s now-iconic bathrooms.
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Actress Laura Harrier captured one of the most talked-about bathroom selfies of the night, featuring Quinta Brunson, Ego Nwodim, Andrew Scott, LaKeith Stanfield, Sarah Snook, Keith Powers, Brian Tyree Henry, Monica Barbaro, Jeremy Pope, and Justice Smith.
Lewis Hamilton, a co-chair of this year’s Met Gala, also joined in on the rule-bending. He posted a video from the bathroom featuring a star-studded lineup including Tracee Ellis Ross, Evan Ross, Cynthia Erivo, Caleb McLaughlin, Ayo Edebiri, Colman Domingo and his husband Raúl Domingo.
Megan arrived at the event in a show-stopping silver gown custom-made by designer Michael Kors. The look featured a daring, cleavage-baring silhouette paired with a dramatic white fur coat that added a layer of old Hollywood glamour. Her hair — a towering, multi-tiered ponytail inspired by the legendary Josephine Baker — drew widespread praise for its bold aesthetic.
Despite the size of her hairstyle, Megan said it was no challenge to wear. “I wear at least 10-pound wigs all the time,” she told PEOPLE. “I put a lot of bundles in my hair, so my neck is pretty strong.”
“I’m surprised [my neck] doesn’t have abs,” she added with a laugh. “That was lightweight. That was a regular day.”
While the Met Gala controversy made headlines, Megan is focused on connecting with fans in a new way — through a creative partnership with Airbnb. The rapper recently announced the “Otaku Hottie Quest,” an immersive one-day experience that invites 12 lucky fans into her anime- and gaming-inspired universe.
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The experience, set for June 12, reflects Megan’s well-documented love for anime and video games. Participants will get the chance to cosplay, battle Megan in a one-on-one Mortal Kombat 1 showdown on Xbox Series X, and take part in themed activities like eating ramen or tackling a hot lava obstacle.
“My favorite part would definitely be either the ramen part or the hot lava,” she said. “I really just like that they’re gonna get to experience all the things that I like, and what I would be doing on a normal Megan Thee Stallion day — and the Hotties get to come do it with me.”
Guests will also receive exclusive “charms” from Megan to level up their Otaku Hottie status — a playful nod to her fandom and personal brand.
Fans can request to book the Otaku Hottie Quest through airbnb.com/megantheestallion. Submissions opened on May 13 and will close on May 20 at 11:30 p.m. PT.
Known for embracing her alter egos like “Hot Girl Meg” and “Tina Snow,” Megan has increasingly incorporated anime and cosplay into her public persona, delighting fans who share those interests. This collaboration with Airbnb marks another effort to blur the lines between pop culture and personal expression.
Despite the noise surrounding the Met Gala and social media rules, Megan continues to embrace her unapologetic authenticity, both online and offline.
“I just want to have fun and let people see who I am,” she said. “Whether it’s through music, fashion, or anime — it’s all part of being a Hottie.”
As for a potential ban from next year’s Met Gala? Megan is unconcerned.
“I’ll be back,” she said confidently. “Trust.”
