MET Gala 2017: How Bella Hadid Navigated an Awkward Run-in with Selena Gomez and The Weeknd, Backed by Kim & Kylie
The annual Met Gala is unequivocally one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events on the global fashion calendar. A dazzling convergence of high fashion, celebrity glamour, and artistic expression, it consistently delivers unforgettable moments. However, the 2017 iteration presented a unique challenge for supermodel Bella Hadid, who found herself in the same room as her ex-boyfriend, Abel Tesfaye, widely known as The Weeknd, and his then-new girlfriend, Selena Gomez. What could have been an intensely uncomfortable evening, fraught with potential drama, was masterfully navigated by Hadid, thanks in no small part to the unwavering support of her inner circle: Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner.
On Monday, May 1, 2017, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute Gala was abuzz with its ‘Rei Kawakubo/Comme des Garçons: Art of the In-Between’ theme, drawing fashion’s elite and Hollywood’s brightest stars. Among them was 20-year-old Bella Hadid, who arrived looking breathtaking and confident. Dressed in a sleek, custom Alexander Wang catsuit that perfectly embodied the evening’s edgy aesthetic, she exuded an air of sophisticated composure. Her powerful sartorial choice was a statement in itself, signaling that she was there to own the night, not to be overshadowed by personal entanglements.
While the atmosphere inside the Met was charged with excitement and artistic celebration, an underlying tension lingered for those aware of the celebrity relationship dynamics. The Weeknd, 27, and Bella Hadid had ended their high-profile relationship in late 2016 after nearly two years together. Their split had been widely publicized, and the subsequent revelation of The Weeknd’s new romance with pop superstar Selena Gomez, 24, just a few months later, had kept the tabloids in a frenzy. The Met Gala thus became the unavoidable stage for their first public encounter since the relationship shift, making Bella’s demeanor and interactions highly scrutinized.
The Power of Friendship: Bella’s Support System
Fortunately for Bella, she was not alone in facing the glare of the cameras and the potential for an awkward situation. She arrived at the gala with her long-time friends, sisters Kylie Jenner, 19, and Kim Kardashian, 36, by her side. This formidable trio, all fixtures of the celebrity circuit, formed an impenetrable support system for Bella throughout the evening. Their collective presence served as a powerful shield, allowing Bella to enjoy the event and focus on the night’s glamorous proceedings rather than the specter of an ex-boyfriend.
Inside the exclusive event, often dubbed “fashion’s biggest night,” Bella remained firmly rooted with her close companions. As documented in a photograph snapped by Kim Kardashian herself, Bella was seen striking a sultry and confident pose in her striking bodysuit, flanked by Kylie and the iconic fashion designer Donatella Versace. This candid snapshot encapsulated the mood: Bella was surrounded by friends, looking fabulous, and seemingly unperturbed by the presence of The Weeknd and Selena. It was a masterclass in poise and resilience, demonstrating that true friendship can truly anchor one during challenging public moments.
The strength of her bond with Kylie and Kim was palpable. They shared laughter, poses, and presumably, comforting words, ensuring Bella felt empowered and celebrated. In an environment where every interaction is magnified and every glance analyzed, having such steadfast allies proved invaluable. Their collective star power created a vibrant and engaging bubble around Bella, effectively diverting attention from any potential awkwardness and allowing her to shine on her own terms. This ability to brush off unwanted attention and immerse herself in the spirit of the event spoke volumes about her professionalism and maturity as a rapidly rising star in the fashion world.
A Red Carpet Debut: Selena Gomez and The Weeknd’s Public Romance
While Bella was managing her evening with grace and the support of her friends, The Weeknd and Selena Gomez were making their own statement. Their appearance at the Met Gala marked their official red carpet debut as a couple, and they certainly made it count. From the moment they stepped onto the carpet, their affection for each other was unmistakably on full display. They arrived hand-in-hand, their outfits complementary and stylish, drawing a significant amount of attention from photographers and media alike.
Selena, known for her sophisticated yet approachable style, wore a custom Coach gown that exuded a romantic and ethereal charm, perfectly suiting the night’s theme with its intricate details. The Weeknd, ever the suave musician, looked dapper in a classic tuxedo. However, it wasn’t just their fashion choices that captivated onlookers; it was their undeniable chemistry. The couple was openly affectionate, exchanging tender glances, whispers, and frequent kisses for all to see. The Weeknd was photographed planting a loving kiss on Selena’s cheek, his arm wrapped securely around her waist, signaling his possessiveness and pride in their relationship.
Their public display of affection continued as they ascended the iconic Met steps. In one particularly intimate moment, The Weeknd pulled Selena close, resting his head affectionately on her chest as she snuggled him. This overt exhibition of their bond left no doubt about the strength and seriousness of their burgeoning relationship. For many, their interactions underscored the very public nature of celebrity romances and the swiftness with which new chapters can begin after previous relationships conclude. This high-profile outing cemented their status as a power couple in the public eye, undeniably drawing a line under The Weeknd’s past with Bella Hadid.
Navigating High-Profile Encounters with Grace
The Met Gala, by its very design, is a crucible of celebrity, fashion, and media attention. It’s an event where personal and professional lives often intertwine under the most intense scrutiny. For Bella Hadid, navigating this particular evening required an extraordinary level of grace and self-possession. Her decision to focus on the celebratory aspect of the gala, surrounded by cherished friends, speaks volumes about her maturity and her ability to prioritize her well-being in the face of public scrutiny.
Indeed, Bella’s approach to the situation became a testament to handling public breakups and subsequent encounters with dignity. Rather than retreating or allowing the circumstance to define her experience, she chose to engage fully with the event, embracing its high-energy atmosphere. This resilience not only showcased her personal strength but also reinforced her image as a professional model who remains dedicated to her craft and commitments, irrespective of personal distractions. Her ability to appear unbothered, while an ex-partner publicly flaunted a new romance, was widely praised and positioned her as an icon of composure.
The Met Gala itself serves as a unique microcosm of celebrity culture. It’s an event where narratives unfold in real-time, often shaping public perception for months to come. The 2017 edition, with its specific ‘Art of the In-Between’ theme, inadvertently became a stage for different forms of ‘in-between’ – the space between past and present relationships, the transition from old loves to new ones, and the ongoing dance between public persona and private emotion. All parties, despite the underlying tensions, managed to deliver on the gala’s promise of glamour, spectacle, and unforgettable celebrity moments.
Ultimately, the Met Gala of 2017 underscored the enduring power of friendship in the often-turbulent world of celebrity relationships. Bella Hadid, with Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner as her anchors, transformed what could have been a challenging night into a showcase of strength, style, and unwavering camaraderie. The Weeknd and Selena Gomez, meanwhile, seized the opportunity to officially announce their romance to the world with a clear, affectionate statement. Despite the complex dynamics, all involved contributed to an undeniably memorable evening at one of fashion’s most iconic events, each navigating their paths with their own distinct approaches.
Tell us, what are your thoughts on Bella Hadid leaning on Kylie and Kim throughout the MET Gala? Do you think it was awkward that The Weeknd and Selena were there, too, making their official debut? Share your opinions in the comments below!