Met Gala Mayhem: Stylist’s Scuffle at the Carlyle
The usually glamorous scene outside the Carlyle Hotel, a favorite haunt for celebrities en route to the met Gala, was disrupted Monday by a heated confrontation. A woman,later identified as celebrity stylist Jessica Paster,found herself in a shouting match with law enforcement officials while attempting to enter the hotel.
The incident Unfolds
Eyewitnesses, including reporters and photographers gathered for the Met Gala, watched as the situation escalated. The incident was also captured on a Reuters live camera feed, intended to showcase A-list celebrities departing for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, about six blocks from the hotel. the annual fundraiser for the Costume Institute draws considerable attention,and the Carlyle is a prime location for stars preparing for the event.
Did you know? The Met Gala, formally called the Costume Institute Benefit, has been held annually since 1948 to raise money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City.
Paster’s frustration was evident as she reportedly exclaimed phrases such as, I’m a guest at this hotel,
I’m so mad right now,
and I don’t want to talk to you. I need your [badge] number.
The exchange was audible on the live feed, adding to the public spectacle.
Shortly after the initial confrontation, Paster was seen entering the hotel accompanied by individuals who appeared to be Carlyle employees, seemingly resolving the immediate issue.
Identity Revealed: Jessica Paster
Initially dubbed the “furious guest” by some media outlets,the woman was later identified by Page Six as jessica Paster,a well-known celebrity stylist. Paster’s clientele includes prominent figures such as Olympian Simone Biles, actor Quinta Brunson, and model Miranda Kerr, all of whom she was assisting with their Met Gala preparations.
Paster’s Perspective
In an interview with Page Six on Tuesday,Paster shared her account of the incident,stating,I want to say that I am just a person staying at a hotel minding my own business,having the credentials on my wrist and I got manhandled.
She explained that she had followed instructions, heading to the service entrance as directed, only to be redirected back to the main lobby.
All of a sudden,they attacked me,they manhandled me.
Jessica Paster, to Page Six
Paster further claimed she was in pain and suggested the officer was lucky
she didn’t break Paster’s arm. Her assistant supported her account, adding, anyone would have the reaction [she did] if they were grabbed out of nowhere after following instructions.
Pro Tip: When dealing with security personnel, remain calm and clearly state your purpose. Having identification and any necessary credentials readily available can help expedite the process.
Despite the altercation, Paster managed to hold onto a Sephora bag throughout the ordeal, a detail noted by observers. The incident quickly became a topic of conversation among those attending the gala,with one “chic source” telling the New York Post that literally everyone was sending [the video] to each other
as the event unfolded.
Official statement
The New York Police Department (NYPD) released a statement addressing the incident, clarifying their involvement:
A female attempted to enter the main entrance of the Carlyle Hotel when she was stopped and denied entry by hotel security. The individual attempted to enter the hotel a second time after being denied when officers intervened and stopped the female from entering. She was told she needed to go through the service entrance and obtain proper credentials. This female was escorted to the service entrance by police were she was then re-escorted to the main entrance by hotel security and allowed entry.
NYPD Statement to Media Outlets
The statement leaves room for interpretation, prompting questions about the nature of the “escort” provided. As one observer wryly noted, If that’s what being “escorted” looks like on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, we’ll go solo, thank you.
