Here’s why Rihanna missed the 2024 Met Gala

Rihanna feels like the only girl in the world who’s not at the 2024 Met Gala.

The “Umbrella” singer ordinarily stuns audiences with bold looks at the annual fashion event in New York City, but was nowhere to be seen at this year’s event. Sources tell PEOPLE why Rihanna wasn’t present at this year’s Met Gala: she’s ill with the flu.

The “Work” singer seemed to plan on going to the the event, as she previously said that she intended to keep “it real simple this year. … It’s gonna come to what my makeup and what my hair is going to do.”

READ ALSO: Met Gala 2024: See fashion highlights and best looks

Reps for Rihanna did not immediately respond to Entertainment Weekly’s request for comment.

Rihanna served as the co-chair of the event in 2018, when the theme was “Heavenly Bodies: Fashion and the Catholic Imagination.”
2024’s Met Gala features the theme “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion” with the dress code “The Garden of Time.” Bad Bunny, Chris Hemsworth, Jennifer Lopez, Anna Wintour, and Zendaya served as the co-chairs of this year’s event.

Prominent guests at this year’s Met Gala included Gigi Hadid, Sarah Jessica Parker, Colman Domingo, Cardi B, Kieran Culkin, Michelle Williams, Jerry Seinfeld, Lizzo, Barry Keoghan, Doja Cat, Nicole Kidman, Lil Nas X, Demi Moore, Mindy Kaling, Jeff Goldblum, Greta Gerwig, Donald Glover, Ayo Edebiri, Jeremy Strong, and Keke Palmer.

Other celebrities who missed the big event this year also include Lady Gaga, Blake Lively, and Jared Leto.

SOURCE: EW