Laverne Cox Recounts Naomi Campbell's Iconic Met Gala Snub

Transgender icon Laverne Cox recently shared a standout fashion memory: an encounter with supermodel Naomi Campbell at her debut Met Gala. This memorable moment, where Campbell seemingly declined a joint photo opportunity, was recounted by Cox during an upcoming episode of Bronwyn Newport’s “Walk-In” Substack series.

Cox detailed how she was posing with fellow model Bella Hadid when photographers spotted Campbell and called out, requesting, “Naomi! Take a picture with Laverne and Bella!” According to Cox, Campbell paused, scrutinized her from head to toe, and then proceeded to walk away without joining them for the photo.

Far from feeling slighted, Cox considered the brief interaction a pinnacle of her Met Gala experience. She remarked, “It was the greatest honor in the world. The fact that I got to see that live? She was like… ‘Hmmm, no.’ And walked away.” While initially hesitant to disclose the story, Cox later quipped that Campbell was fully aware of her actions, stating, “She knows she did it!”

Cox quickly clarified that there was no animosity between them, emphasizing that Campbell has consistently treated her with kindness during their other meetings. “Naomi and I are cool,” Cox assured Newport. “I’ve met Naomi many times. She’s always sweet to me. [At] that moment, she just wasn’t feeling it!” Cox elaborated that Campbell’s notable reputation and significant influence in the fashion realm made the supermodel’s reaction particularly unforgettable. She added, “But that look [she gave me] – was so iconic. Like, to be shaded by Naomi Campbell?”

Laverne Cox made her first appearance at the Met Gala in 2019, showcasing a design by Christian Siriano. Since then, she has cemented her status as a prominent figure in the fashion world, actively collecting pieces from renowned designers such as Thierry Mugler. Bronwyn Newport’s “Walk-In” series delves into the wardrobes and style inspirations of various industry personalities, with upcoming features including Betsey Johnson, Symone, and Christian Siriano.