The Rock poses during the Met Gala, an annual fundraising gala held for the benefit of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute with this year's theme 'Costume Art' in New York City, New York, U.S., May 4, 2026. REUTERS/Daniel Cole
(New York, New York) – Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is drawing attention after wearing a skirt-style formal look to the Met Gala, a choice that quickly set off debate online.
Some fans mocked the outfit, while others praised Johnson for taking a fashion risk on one of the biggest red carpets in the world. The look became a culture-war talking point almost immediately, with critics questioning why one of Hollywood’s most famous action stars would wear it.
Johnson pushed back by pointing to his background and culture, where men wearing skirt-like traditional garments is not unusual or seen as weak. His message was that masculinity is not defined by one narrow style rule.
The reaction shows how celebrity fashion can quickly become political. What might have been just another Met Gala outfit turned into a debate over masculinity, tradition and modern culture.
For Johnson, the look appeared to be about confidence and heritage. For critics, it was another example of Hollywood pushing boundaries for attention. Either way, the outfit did exactly what Met Gala fashion is designed to do: get people talking.
