Supermodel Anok Yai has expressed outrage at The Washington Post after the newspaper incorrectly suggested that she had torn her dress and urinated on herself during the 2024 Met Gala.
Background to the Controversy
The Washington Post published an investigative feature last week exploring how celebrities manage bathroom breaks while wearing elaborate, tight-fitting outfits at fashion's most prestigious event. Journalist Maura Judkis relied on insider accounts from celebrity stylists to reveal what happens when a star needs to use the toilet at the gala.
One anecdote came from celebrity stylist Mickey Freeman, who described a client who made a stunning entrance in an intricate couture sheer mesh jumpsuit, heavily embroidered and adorned with hand-stitched Swarovski crystals and pearls, covering her from neck to toe. Although Freeman declined to name the celebrity, the Post claimed he was referring to the 28-year-old American model at the 2024 Met Gala.
“Detective Google shows that, in 2024, model Anok Yai wore an outfit that matches this description,” the article stated.
Yai's Strong Denial
Freeman also recounted that the star's tailor sewed her into the bodysuit, but during dinner, she became caught up in the excitement, had some drinks, and forgot about the zipper situation. Yai took to Instagram to firmly deny being the unnamed model.
“I usually stay quiet and keep to myself but @washingtonpost @maurajudkis how dare you misalign my character and imply that I ripped my outfit and peed on myself during the Met Gala of 2024!” she said. “Fact check next time! Are you crazy?!”
She directly addressed the Post, challenging, “If you find any photos of my outfit ripped or urine dripping down my leg, let me know.”
Stylist Clarifies
Freeman later defended Yai on Instagram, denying she was the client he discussed. “Nope! It was not Queen @anokyai,” he wrote. “This is like a hilarious non-story! As a designer and stylist, when I talked about the garment, it was all about definitions, just a fundamental glimpse into what could go down at the Met or any major red carpet! I absolutely adore Anok, so lets not play those games on the internet! She was never part of the story, which is why I found it so absurd when I saw her name. Most people don’t really get how clothing works, making the whole thing pretty ridiculous! That’s why I had to share in my story how wild it sounded!”
Freeman also confirmed he has never worked with Yai in any capacity.
Correction Issued
The Washington Post has since removed any mention of Yai from the story and appended a correction notice. “A previous version of this story included the name of a model wearing an outfit that matched Mickey Freeman’s description. On Sunday, Freeman said he did not work with this model. Her name has been removed,” the notice read.
