Chalamet Chooses Knicks Over Met Gala Again

Key facts

• Timothée Chalamet attended a New York Knicks playoff game on Monday night.
• The game took place at Madison Square Garden.
• The Met Gala was held on the same night.
• Chalamet previously skipped the Met Gala in 2023 to watch the Knicks play the Boston Celtics.
• Spike Lee also faced scrutiny last year for attending the Met Gala instead of a Knicks game.
• The Knicks faced the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 1 of their playoff series.
• Chalamet has become a regular fixture at Knicks games.

A Familiar Choice for the Actor

Timothée Chalamet has once again opted for the roar of the crowd at Madison Square Garden over the glittering spectacle of the Met Gala. The actor was spotted Monday night courtside, immersed in a pivotal playoff game for his beloved New York Knicks, rather than joining his girlfriend, Kylie Jenner, at the annual fashion event uptown. This decision echoes a similar choice made last year, when Chalamet, then 30, remained in New York to witness the Knicks' playoff battle against the Boston Celtics, while Jenner, 28, graced the Fifth Avenue steps alone. The actor later explained his absence, citing an intense focus on the team's playoff run, which he described as the "most fun period of my life."

Playoff Intensity Trumped Fashion's Peak

On this particular Monday, the Knicks were engaged in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Philadelphia 76ers. The arena, Madison Square Garden, is located just a few miles south of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, the venue for the Met Gala. While Jenner, a reality television star and beauty mogul, has become a consistent presence at the Met Gala since 2016, often accompanied by her prominent family, Chalamet has cultivated a different kind of staple status. He is now a familiar face on Celebrity Row at the Garden, known for his enthusiastic celebrations, sometimes with Jenner by his side.

A History of Devotion and Scrutiny

Chalamet's commitment to the Knicks was notably on display last year when he was filmed celebrating exuberantly on the street after the team defeated the Celtics, securing their first Eastern Conference Finals appearance in a quarter-century. His fervent support earned him the moniker "king of New York" on social media. He is not alone in facing such a dilemma. Director Spike Lee, another prominent Knicks supporter, also drew criticism last year for prioritizing the Met Gala over a crucial playoff game against the Celtics. Despite wearing a Knicks cap to the event, Lee faced backlash, with one commentator recalling his infamous "choke" gesture taunt from Reggie Miller in the 1994 Eastern Conference Finals as a worse offense.

Echoes of Past Sacrifices

The narrative surrounding Chalamet's choice is further complicated by the fact that Lee was reportedly in attendance at the Garden on Monday, albeit with a distinctive basketball-shaped bag, suggesting an attempt to blend his passions. Chalamet, who has attended the Met Gala only once, as a co-chair in 2021, might face similar public scrutiny for consistently placing the Knicks' playoff aspirations above fashion's most exclusive event. This year's Knicks playoff run marks an effort to build on their success after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025. The team is aiming for an even deeper postseason advancement. Game 2 between the Knicks and the 76ers is scheduled for Wednesday at 7 p.m.

A Star's Priorities on Display

The actor's dedication to the team has been further documented through social media, including a video posted to his Instagram account showing him practicing shots at Madison Square Garden. Chalamet and Jenner were also observed attending a double date with Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns and his fiancée, Jordyn Woods, on April 28, underscoring their integration into the team's orbit. Chalamet's repeated prioritization of the Knicks over the Met Gala highlights a personal commitment that resonates with a segment of the fanbase. It positions him not just as a celebrity attendee, but as a genuine supporter whose loyalties are demonstrably tested and ultimately declared on the basketball court.

The bottom line

• Timothée Chalamet chose to attend a New York Knicks playoff game over the Met Gala on Monday.
• This mirrors a decision he made last year, when he skipped the Met Gala for a Knicks playoff game.
• The actor has become a regular and vocal supporter of the Knicks at Madison Square Garden.
• Director Spike Lee faced similar criticism in the past for prioritizing the Met Gala over a Knicks game.
• Chalamet's attendance at the Knicks vs. 76ers playoff series underscores his deep engagement with the team.
• The Knicks are aiming for a deep playoff run after reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in 2025.