Here’s why Justin Bieber skipped the Met Gala and didn’t join Hailey on the red carpet

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / May 7, 2025, 02:01 IST

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Justin Bieber, a devoted Maple Leafs fan, skipped the Met Gala to watch his team's playoff game, while Hailey Bieber attended solo in a Saint Laurent mini dress. Justin's absence sparked online chatter, but he later showed support for Hailey on Instagram. His priority was the Leafs' Game 1 victory, even as goalie Anthony Stolarz was hospitalized.

Here’s why Justin Bieber skipped the Met Gala and didn’t join Hailey on the red carpet

Justin Bieber Instagram

When it’s Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs and your team’s on the ice, even the Met Gala has to wait. That’s exactly what happened on Monday night when Justin Bieber, certified Canadian royalty and lifelong Maple Leafs fan opted for a night of hockey over couture. While Hailey Bieber lit up the red carpet solo in New York, her husband was spotted tuned into the Leafs’ playoff game from home, proving once again that for Bieber, hockey comes before high fashion.

Justin Bieber’s love for the Maple Leafs runs deeper than any runway

This isn’t the first time Justin Bieber has worn his fandom on his sleeve (literally). The pop superstar has long been a vocal and visible supporter of the Toronto Maple Leafs, even designing limited-edition jerseys for the team through his fashion label Drew House. So his decision to skip the Met Gala and stay home to watch the Leafs take on the Panthers? Totally on-brand.

Bieber didn’t appear at any Met Gala afterparties either, making it clear he was in full playoff mode. The NHL’s opening round is serious business and apparently more important than hobnobbing with Anna Wintour and Zendaya.

Hailey Bieber turns heads at Met Gala 2025 without her other half

Hailey made her own headlines at the Met, arriving solo in a minimalist black custom Saint Laurent mini dress blazer. While she looked stunning (as always), fans quickly noticed Justin's absence. It marked the second consecutive year the couple didn't walk the red carpet together, sparking chatter online about their diverging public appearances.But just hours later, Bieber posted his support for Hailey on Instagram, proving there's no drama, just different priorities. For him, that priority was watching the Leafs win Game 1, even as goalie Anthony Stolarz was hospitalized after a brutal hit.

Whether intentional or not, Bieber's Met Gala absence turned into a wholesome moment of national pride. Hailey served Met Gala glam, Justin repped his team, and somewhere in between, the internet got a classic Canadian celebrity moment to obsess over.Also read - “He gets away with everything”: Maple Leafs fans furious as Sam Bennett avoids suspension for hit that hospitalized goalie Anthony Stolarz

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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