Usher Apologizes to Sabrina Carpenter’s Father for Met Gala Photo

On Wednesday, May 7, Sabrina Carpenter, 25, shared a series of photos from the 2025 Met Gala in New York City on Instagram.

Among the images was a photo of Usher, 46, feeding her a cherry during the event’s after-party. The moment appeared to be part of his live performance, a common gesture at his shows.

Carpenter’s post featured several photos, including her in a Louis Vuitton bodysuit and another seated beside actress Jenna Ortega.

However, one slide stood out. It was a screenshot of a message from her father, David Carpenter, who reacted to the cherry-feeding image with a brief and clear comment, “? Weird.”

In response, Usher addressed the concern directly. Writing in the comment section of Carpenter’s post, he said, “Apologies Mr Carpenter 😅🍒.”

The interaction highlighted the lighthearted yet watchful nature of parental oversight, even for celebrities.

Usher’s appearance at the 2025 Met Gala held deeper meaning beyond the night’s glamour. After performing in Berlin the evening before, he flew to New York and landed at 3 p.m. on Monday, just hours before the event.

Despite only getting a few hours of sleep, he arrived as both a guest and a member of the Met Gala host committee.

The night’s exhibition, titled Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, explores over three centuries of Black fashion and identity, focusing on the tradition of dandyism.

For Usher, the theme added purpose to his attendance. “The offer to be a part of the curating and hosting committee was how it really started for me,” he said.

He explained that once he understood the focus of the exhibition, it became more than just an opportunity to wear designer clothing. “It was an opportunity to support an institute that has curated an incredible installation—one that tells the story of dandyism outside of just tailored suits and accessories.”

To honor the theme, Usher wore a custom Ralph Lauren Purple Label suit designed by Polo Ralph Lauren creative director James Jeter.

Jeter had previously designed capsule collections for Morehouse and Spelman Colleges, which Usher said reflected the vision he had in mind.

The look they created paid homage to various eras and figures, including the Harlem Renaissance and musicians like Duke Ellington and Prince.

Usher noted that his grandfather, James Lackey, influenced the outfit. “He was the king of the three-piece suit,” he shared.

His Met Gala look included carefully selected pieces such as a velvet jacket, a pocket chain placed in a ticket pocket, and polished loafers. “I obviously tailored it to 100 percent fit and suit my vibe,” he added.

His aesthetic was inspired by men who used fashion as a powerful form of self-expression — Miles Davis, Sidney Poitier, Billy Dee Williams, and others. “Dandyism is about confidence and transformation and how you choose to posture in these clothes,” he noted.

Usher also brought this concept to the stage during a surprise performance at the gala, wearing a red suit by Willy Chavarria and later switching to a white tuxedo by Brandon Murphy, finished with a Stetson hat.

These outfits echoed the themes of his “Past Present Future” tour, where his wardrobe includes silks, leather, and crystal-embellished designs meant to challenge norms and elevate imagination. “There’s definitely dandyism here,” Usher revealed.

Reflecting on the event and the exhibition, Usher expressed his hope that people leave feeling moved by what they see. “Inspiration, most importantly, and history,” he mentioned.

“The same way that we know from looking at the hieroglyphs that someone came and did something that was significant … it’s the same with a wardrobe and with a needle and thread. It’s history,” said the “Hey Daddy” singer.

Besides Usher, Carpenter herself made a bold statement on the Met Gala red carpet, opting for a custom ensemble that fused classic tailoring with a daring twist.

She wore a burgundy pinstripe Louis Vuitton bodysuit, complete with structured lapels and silver buttons, designed under the creative direction of Pharrell Williams.

The outfit featured a double-breasted blazer cut into a leotard silhouette with an extended train flowing behind, showcasing a mix of old-school suiting and modern edge.

To complement the look, Carpenter wore matching burgundy platform heels with ankle straps, adding significant height.

Her blonde hair was styled in soft waves, and she accessorized with a pearl necklace and rings, adding subtle elegance to the bold design. The look stood out for its confident tailoring and theatrical flair.

In a short video interview with Vogue, Carpenter shared the story behind her outfit choice. She revealed that it was a dream to collaborate with Pharrell, expressing admiration for his work.

Recalling their conversation, Carpenter said, “You’re quite short, so no pants for you. So here we are.” She referred to her high heels and pantless look with humor, saying the “super high shoes” were her favorite detail.

Later, during her carpet conversation with Vogue host Emma Chamberlain, Carpenter spoke about preparing for the big night.

When asked if she had felt any stress leading up to the event, she said, “Not stressed out, just, like, oh—it would suck if I woke up and my immune system, like, collapsed.” She added that her go-to remedy was “Ginger shot, turmeric.”

Chamberlain reacted with surprise, prompting Carpenter to explain, “I’m just super natural and homoeopathic.” The exchange became a lighthearted moment on the carpet, with Chamberlain jokingly naming it, “Health Tips with Sab Carp.”

From a viral cherry-feeding moment to meaningful fashion statements, both Usher and Sabrina Carpenter left their mark on the 2025 Met Gala. Their appearances highlighted not only style but also personal expression, history, and a bit of unexpected humor.