Italian model Eugenio Casnighi claims he was fired from working the 2024 Met Gala after gaining attention for his appearance at the previous year’s event, where he posed alongside Kylie Jenner. Despite working the Met Gala for two years, Casnighi states he was unable to discuss the attention he received due to a non-disclosure agreement. He took to TikTok to reveal he had been fired just days before the event, with organizers accusing him of making the event about himself and resulting in his termination.
Casnighi explained that his role as a greeter involved assisting Jenner throughout the event, as models are chosen to add to the overall spectacle and garner attention for the event. However, he claims that despite being informed he would be accompanying Jenner throughout the night, he was blamed for overshadowing her in photos taken by fans and media. Organizers allegedly informed him that he was let go because he became the focus of attention rather than the celebrities he was supposed to be assisting.
The Italian model also posted a viral clip from a fan showing him alongside last year’s red-carpet host, Emma Chamberlain, and Blackpink’s Jennie Kim. The fan remarked on the distraction caused by Casnighi’s presence in the background, which garnered further attention online. Casnighi indicated that there may have been a decision to exclude models from working the event this year, as he learned that a colleague of his was also dismissed from their role.
Casnighi shared screenshots of text messages and emails confirming his participation in the Met Gala before being let go. He also revealed that this year’s NDA was stricter, prohibiting workers from sharing any content related to the Met Gala on social media. Despite his termination, fans rallied to support Casnighi, praising his looks and expressing disbelief at the organizers’ decision to fire him. Some fans questioned the logic behind punishing Casnighi for bringing attention to the event, as it could be seen as beneficial to the event and the company.
The incident involving Casnighi being fired from the Met Gala highlights the complexities of working in the fashion industry and the pressure on models to balance attention with their role as background figures during high-profile events. Casnighi’s experience sheds light on the power dynamics at play within the industry and the impact of social media on shaping perception and generating viral moments. Despite the setback, Casnighi’s story resonated with fans who showed their support and admiration for his appearance and the attention he garnered at the event.
