Joy Behar's Met Gala 2026 Fashion Critiques Spark Debate on 'The View'
Shonda RhimesProlific television creator ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") and author on creativity and empowerment.
On a recent episode of the popular talk show 'The View', veteran cohost Joy Behar ignited a fiery discussion with her unfiltered opinions on the sartorial selections at the 2026 Met Gala. Behar's sharp commentary, which spared few celebrities, quickly became the focal point, underscoring the diverse interpretations of this year's 'Fashion Is Art' theme and sparking a debate among her colleagues on the panel. The conversation delved not only into fashion but also touched upon the broader ethical implications of such high-profile events.
Celebrity Fashion Faux Pas and Ethical Quandaries at the Met Gala
On a Tuesday morning, following the extravagant 2026 Met Gala in New York City, the set of 'The View' became an impromptu fashion critique stage. Joy Behar, known for her candid remarks, expressed her belief that many attendees of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute fundraiser had missed the mark on the 'Fashion Is Art' theme. She didn't hold back, directly targeting several prominent figures.
Behar notably remarked on Grammy-winning artist SZA's floral-inspired yellow gown, humorously stating, "This one, I need a Claritin to just look at the dress. It looks like an allergy or something." The comment drew immediate reactions and laughter from the audience. She also took aim at Janelle Monáe's ensemble, likening it to "a tree in The Wizard of Oz" and quipping about the need for "apples to fall." This particular critique led to a playful but firm defense from conservative panelist Alyssa Farah Griffin, who asserted, "You will not come for Janelle Monáe at this table!"
Adding to her list of targets, Behar jokingly advised Heidi Klum, who appeared as a statue, to "watch out for the pigeons," and questioned the artistic intention behind Madonna's acclaimed look, which featured a boat-like headpiece inspired by a surrealist painting. However, not all was criticism; Behar surprisingly lauded Bad Bunny's aged appearance, humorously mistaking his intentional mature styling for an homage to Wolf Blitzer, declaring it her "favorite" for its effort to look older.
Beyond the runway analysis, the cohosts engaged in a more profound discussion concerning the ethics surrounding the Met Gala. This year's event faced protests, with figures like Taraji P. Henson vocalizing their discontent over Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos co-chairing the event. Whoopi Goldberg, another esteemed cohost, offered a perspective that balanced the opulence of the gala with ongoing global issues. She acknowledged the existence of societal challenges but emphasized that charitable actions often occur away from the public eye. Goldberg advocated for individuals to embrace opportunities for glamour and enjoyment, saying, "In this world of so much B.S., go have a good time, go get your Oscar, go be glamorous, put on too much lipstick, put too many eyelashes on, go do it. If that's what you want to do, go do it." Her comments reflected a sentiment of finding joy and celebrating achievements even amidst a complex world.
The spirited exchange on 'The View' underscored the multifaceted nature of public events like the Met Gala, which serve not only as platforms for artistic expression and celebrity showcase but also as arenas for social commentary and ethical deliberation. The differing views on fashion and responsibility highlight the ongoing conversation about how public figures and lavish events intersect with contemporary societal values.

