Hudson Williams spotted leaving NYC hotel ahead of Met Gala, fuelling debut speculation

Hudson Williams is adding to growing anticipation around the 2026 Met Gala after being spotted in New York City just days before the high-profile fundraiser.

The 25-year-old Heated Rivalry star was seen exiting the Mark Hotel on May 2, a location famously known as a hub for celebrities preparing for the Met Gala. His appearance at the hotel, paired with sightings of his stylist nearby, has fuelled speculation that he is set to attend the event.

Williams stepped out in a full Balenciaga look, reinforcing his close ties to the luxury label. The actor has recently been named a “Friend of the House” for the brand and has already made appearances at major fashion events, including sitting front row at Balenciaga’s Paris show earlier this year.

The timing of his sighting is particularly notable, as the Met Gala is scheduled for May 4, with the Mark Hotel traditionally serving as a staging ground for celebrity arrivals and last-minute preparations. While his attendance has not been officially confirmed, the outing is widely seen as a strong indicator that he will make an appearance.

Williams’ rapid rise in both Hollywood and the fashion world has made him one of the most closely watched new faces this season. Following the breakout success of Heated Rivalry, he has quickly become a fixture at major cultural events, and a Met Gala debut would mark another major milestone in his ascent.

With the 2026 theme centered on artistic expression in fashion, all eyes are now on whether Williams will step onto the iconic Met steps, and how he might translate his bold, brand-aligned style into one of the industry’s biggest red carpet moments.