Hollywood actor and WWE star Dwayne Johnson, famously known as The Rock, has ignited a firestorm of debate on social media after appearing at the 2026 Met Gala in a black mohair tailcoat and bow tie paired with a matching pleated skirt. The event took place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The Rock Explains His Skirt Choice
Johnson attended the gala alongside his wife, Lauren Hashian. When questioned by journalists about his unconventional attire, he expressed feeling great and explained that the outfit was partly inspired by Polynesian culture, where the most masculine men traditionally wear skirts known as lavalavas.
“I feel great!” Johnson said. “First, [Thom Browne’s team] sent the illustrations over and [asked], ‘Hey, is Deej going to be cool with this pleated skirt?’ And I was like, ‘Look, in our culture, Polynesian culture, we rock lavalavas, we rock skirts.’ The most masculine men, not that I’m one of them, but the most masculine men wear lavalavas and skirts.”
Polynesian culture is a rich and diverse tapestry spanning the Polynesian Triangle, which includes Hawaii, New Zealand, and Easter Island. The Rock’s reference to this heritage aimed to contextualize his fashion choice within a tradition of masculine attire.
Social Media Reactions Divided
The video of Johnson discussing his skirt went viral, prompting a wide range of reactions from netizens. Some criticized the outfit, while others defended his right to wear it and praised his cultural homage.
One user, realcoofy, commented: “It’s a humiliation ritual. He is neck deep in it and wants it to continue so he isn’t the last emasculated man in the industry.”
Another, Adordev_, wrote: “Dwayne Johnson is honoring thousands of years of history. If your masculinity is threatened by a skirt, you already lost. Dwayne Johnson is proving that masculinity is about identity, not clothing. If this makes you uncomfortable, it is time to ask why you feel so limited.”
PuritymMwangi stated: “There is nothing masculine about a man wearing a skirt.” Meanwhile, BuzzBrief__ said: “'Most masculine' bro you're not fooling anyone, just say you wanted to wear a skirt.”
Johnson’s Recent Weight Loss and WWE Future
In related news, The Rock also trended following a video showing his dramatic weight loss, revealed at the premiere of his new movie 'The Smashing Machine' in Italy. Reports suggest Johnson may not return to WWE anytime soon, fueling further speculation about his career trajectory.
The Met Gala appearance has once again placed Johnson at the center of cultural conversations, blending fashion, heritage, and personal expression in a way that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
