The glamorous LACMA art and film gala held on Saturday, November 4th, was a star-studded affair that captivated Hollywood with its dazzling display of fashion and celebrity presence.
The event, co-chaired by Leonardo DiCaprio, featured a guest list brimming with A-listers and Oscar winners, including luminaries like Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck, and Kim Kardashian, among others.
Notably, the gala was presented by Gucci, with the creative direction led by Salvatore De Samo.
The red carpet was graced by the likes of Jennifer Lopez, who exuded radiance in a mesmerizing gold ensemble alongside her husband, Ben Affleck.
Kim Kardashian turned heads in a striking pink gown that accentuated her curves, while Heidi Klum stunned in an elegant white feather design.
Salma Hayek also made a bold statement in a shimmering gold metallic gown adorned with intricate embellishments.
One of the highlights of the evening was the introduction of Gucci's Ancora Knot collection, marking Salvatore De Samo's foray into evening wear.
Celebrities such as A$AP Rocky, Elliot Page, and Pedro Pascal showcased the designer's inaugural steps into formal menswear, adding to the allure of the event.
However, amidst the glitz and glamour, controversy brewed as reports surfaced that Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, and Prince Harry were conspicuously absent from the guest list.
It was revealed that Gucci president and CEO, Jean-Francois Pellu, had allegedly blacklisted Meghan from attending the gala at the suggestion of Leonardo DiCaprio.
This move raised eyebrows and sparked speculation about the reasons behind the royal couple's exclusion.
Furthermore, it was disclosed that Meghan and Harry were not only left out of the LACMA gala but were also not invited to other high-profile events, leading their representatives at WME to secure tickets for them to attend the Katy Perry concert instead.
This apparent snub has fueled rumors of the couple being ostracized by the Hollywood elite, with suggestions that certain A-listers have issued ultimatums against their presence at events.
The situation has raised questions about the dynamics within Hollywood's power circles, particularly regarding the reputation and influence of agencies like WME.
Speculation abounds regarding the motivations behind WME's association with Meghan and Harry, with some industry insiders expressing concerns about potential ramifications for other clients represented by the agency.
Amidst the swirling gossip and intrigue, there are whispers of a wager between Ari Emanuel of WME and Ken Sunshine of Sunshine and Saks, involving a challenge to elevate Meghan Markle to A-list status—a feat that some believe has not been successfully achieved.
As the saga unfolds, the spotlight remains firmly fixed on the royal couple and their interactions with the glittering world of Hollywood.