On May 5, 2025, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City once again became the epicenter of fashion, culture, and celebrity as it hosted the Met Gala, celebrating the Costume Institute’s exhibition, Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Among the star-studded attendees, Whoopi Goldberg made a triumphant return after a four-year hiatus, commanding the blue carpet with a custom Thom Browne ensemble that was as bold as it was meticulous. While her sartorial choices and powerful message about Black style stole the spotlight, whispers of potential encounters with old rivals added an undercurrent of intrigue to her evening, though no confirmed reports substantiated such drama.

A Tailored Triumph: Goldberg’s Thom Browne Masterpiece

Whoopi Goldberg, the EGOT-winning actress and co-host of The View, turned heads with a black-and-white tuxedo-inspired gown designed by Thom Browne, a designer renowned for his precision and innovative take on tailoring. The floor-length black dress, crafted from duchesse satin, featured suit lapels, raglan sleeves, and a button-through design, paired with a white knee-length overcoat adorned with 350,000 matte sequins—a feat that took 7,700 hours to complete. Completing the look were black-and-white patent-leather boots with four-inch curved heels, a black top hat with a netted veil, and striking gold hand adornments by L’Echanteur, which Goldberg explained were a creative substitute for a manicure she couldn’t get.

The ensemble perfectly aligned with the evening’s dress code, Tailored for You, and the exhibition’s focus on Black dandyism, a revolutionary expression of Black fashion and identity. Goldberg’s choice was a nod to her long-standing appreciation for Browne, having attended his New York Fashion Week shows, including those in fall 2023 and spring 2017. Social media erupted with praise, with fans noting, “Whoopi understood and educated,” and others marveling at how her hand accessories “outdid her outfit.”

A Powerful Message Amid the Glamour

Beyond her fashion statement, Goldberg used the platform to deliver a potent message about resilience and presence. Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter on the carpet, she addressed the significance of the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style theme, declaring, “Let them try to get rid of us. We’re not going anywhere. We’ve been here longer than most anybody.” Her eight-word statement resonated as a defiant celebration of Black culture’s enduring influence, earning widespread admiration online.

Goldberg’s return was especially meaningful given her personal journey. At 69, she has been open about her health, including her use of the diabetes medication Mounjaro for weight management, which was evident in her slimmer frame. Her confidence and poise underscored her status as a fashion inspiration, a sentiment echoed by younger stars like Ayo Edebiri, who paid homage to Goldberg’s style at the 2024 Critics Choice Awards.

Whispers of Rivalries: Fact or Fiction?

While Goldberg’s appearance was a highlight, the Met Gala’s high-profile setting often sparks speculation about celebrity interactions, especially given the event’s history of bringing together figures with complex personal dynamics. Some online chatter suggested that Goldberg might have crossed paths with individuals she’s had public disagreements with in the past, fueled by her outspoken persona on The View and her unapologetic stances on controversial issues. However, no credible reports or eyewitness accounts confirmed any such encounters at the 2025 event. The focus remained firmly on her sartorial and cultural contributions, with no evidence of enmity overshadowing her night.

The Met Gala’s blue carpet was a whirlwind of stars, from Rihanna to Zendaya to co-chairs like Colman Domingo and Pharrell Williams, all interpreting the theme with their unique flair. If tensions existed, they were likely overshadowed by the event’s celebratory atmosphere, where fashion and culture took center stage. Goldberg herself seemed unbothered, gushing to E! News, “It was a pleasure to be there. It was a wonderful evening.”

A Legacy of Boldness

Goldberg’s 2025 Met Gala appearance marked a stark contrast to her last outing in 2021, where she wore a voluminous, six-layer purple Valentino gown. That experience, she later shared, left her physically exhausted, with her body protesting after hours in towering heels. This time, her tailored Thom Browne look allowed her to move with ease while making a statement that was both elegant and edgy. Her history at the Gala, including her 2010 debut alongside André Leon Talley, reflects a willingness to experiment and push boundaries, a trait that continues to define her red-carpet legacy.

As the night unfolded, Goldberg’s presence was a reminder of her multifaceted influence—as an actress, comedian, host, and now a fashion icon. While rumors of rivalries may swirl in the gossip mill, they failed to detract from her commanding performance at the Met Gala 2025. With her Thom Browne ensemble and unapologetic message, Whoopi Goldberg proved once again that she’s not just here to stay—she’s here to lead.