JUST IN: Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Set to Make Waves With Their Official Red Carpet Debut at Met Gala 2025, Bracing for an Uncomfortable Run-In With Her Ex, Zayn Malik

Gigi Hadid and Bradley Cooper Set for Met Gala 2025 Red Carpet Debut, Bracing for Possible Zayn Malik Encounter

The Met Gala 2025, slated for May 5 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, promises to be a night of high fashion, star-studded glamour, and, potentially, some unexpected drama. All eyes are on supermodel Gigi Hadid and actor Bradley Cooper, who are reportedly planning to make their official red carpet debut as a couple at this year’s event, themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style.” The anticipation is heightened by the possibility of an awkward run-in with Hadid’s ex, Zayn Malik, with whom she shares a daughter and a complex history.

A Milestone Moment for Hadid and Cooper

Gigi Hadid, 30, and Bradley Cooper, 50, have been romantically linked since October 2023, but they’ve kept their relationship relatively low-key, opting for private outings and avoiding joint red carpet appearances. Their romance went Instagram official in April 2025, when Hadid shared a passionate kiss with Cooper at her star-studded 30th birthday party, captioning the post with gratitude for her roles as a “mom, friend, partner, sister, daughter.” The Met Gala 2025 could mark a significant milestone, as sources suggest the couple is ready to step into the spotlight together.

Hadid is no stranger to the Met Gala, having attended eight times since her debut in 2015. Her iconic looks, from a red DVF gown for “China: Through the Looking Glass” to a sculptural Thom Browne dress adorned with 3D yellow flowers for 2024’s “Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion,” have cemented her as a red carpet standout. Cooper, on the other hand, has been less frequent at the event, often opting for classic tuxedos when he does attend. Fans are eager to see if Hadid’s fashion-forward influence will inspire a bolder look from Cooper this year, especially as they align with the theme celebrating Black dandyism and tailored elegance.

The couple’s chemistry has been described as “very romantic and happy,” with Hadid praising Cooper for introducing her to theater and supporting her creative endeavors. Their shared experiences as parents—Hadid to daughter Khai, 4, with Malik, and Cooper to daughter Lea De Seine, 7, with ex Irina Shayk—have strengthened their bond. A source close to the couple told Entertainment Tonight in April 2024 that “their friends and family would love to see them get engaged soon,” hinting at a serious commitment, though Hadid and Cooper are taking their time. Engagement rumors swirled earlier this year when Hadid was spotted wearing a gold ring at her birthday celebration, but no confirmation has been made.

The Zayn Malik Factor

Adding intrigue to the evening is the potential presence of Zayn Malik, Hadid’s ex-boyfriend and the father of her daughter. The former One Direction star, 32, dated Hadid on and off for six years, from 2015 to 2021, and their relationship was a media sensation, culminating in the birth of Khai in September 2020. Their split was tumultuous, reportedly triggered by an alleged dispute between Malik and Hadid’s mother, Yolanda Hadid, which led to legal repercussions for Malik, though he denied the claims.

Despite their rocky past, Hadid and Malik have since cultivated an amicable co-parenting relationship. In a March 2025 Vogue interview, Hadid described their dynamic as one of “love and camaraderie,” emphasizing their commitment to raising Khai with mutual respect. She shared how they plan custody schedules months in advance, maintaining flexibility to support each other. Malik echoed this sentiment in a 2023 Call Her Daddy podcast, noting that they share custody 50-50 and prioritize Khai’s well-being.

Malik has attended the Met Gala before, most notably in 2016, when he and Hadid made their red carpet debut as a couple, turning heads with coordinated metallic looks for the “Manus x Machina: Fashion in an Age of Technology” theme. While it’s unconfirmed whether Malik will attend in 2025, his potential presence could create a tense moment, given the high-profile nature of the event and the media scrutiny surrounding all three stars. Posts on X have already begun speculating about a possible encounter, with fans buzzing about the “drama” it could bring.

A Night of Fashion and Tension

The Met Gala, often dubbed the “Super Bowl of fashion,” is the perfect stage for Hadid and Cooper to showcase their relationship, but it’s also a pressure cooker for personal dynamics. Hadid’s history of transformative looks suggests she’ll deliver a show-stopping ensemble, possibly in collaboration with a designer like Thom Browne or Versace, with whom she’s worked before. Cooper, known for his understated style, might lean into the theme’s focus on tailored Black style, perhaps with a nod to historical dandyism as outlined by the Costume Institute’s exhibition.

Meanwhile, Malik’s potential attendance would add a layer of complexity. His last Met Gala appearance was nearly a decade ago, and his recent focus has been on music and co-parenting rather than high-profile events. Still, the fashion world remembers his bold Versace suit with silver armor detailing, and a return could reignite interest in his style evolution.

What to Expect

As the fashion elite gather under the watchful eye of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the 2025 Met Gala is shaping up to be a night of romance, rivalry, and sartorial splendor. Hadid and Cooper’s debut will likely be a carefully curated moment, reflecting their growing bond and shared values as partners and parents. Yet, the specter of Malik looms large, and whether he appears or not, the narrative of their past will fuel headlines.

Fans on X are already divided, with some rooting for Hadid and Cooper’s “power couple” moment and others hoping for a glimpse of Malik to stir the pot. Whatever unfolds, the red carpet will be a battleground of style and stories, with Hadid, Cooper, and possibly Malik at the center of it all. One thing is certain: the Met Gala 2025 will be a night to remember.