Jaafar Jackson nods to Michael Jackson's legacy with Met Gala 2026 look

Jaafar Jackson made a striking Met Gala debut in New York on May 4, stepping onto fashion’s biggest stage with a look that subtly paid tribute to Michael Jackson’s lasting influence.

For the event, the 29-year-old star clad himself in a black velvet Ralph Lauren suit with quiet gold touches, pulling it all together with a black bowtie, red socks, and ballet inspired black shoes.

Speaking to Ashley Graham and Cara Delevingne during Vogue’s red carpet livestream, he shared that the outfit stayed closely connected to his uncle’s aesthetic. It was still "in the world" of his pop icon uncle.

He added, "It has a timeless feel, and it just felt right when I had it on," also noting that the look received the "approval" of his fiancée, Maddie Simpson.

At an earlier premiere for Michael, the rising actor reflected on the emotional response from his family after seeing his performance.

"I just remember them getting emotional on the phone," he said.

"I started to cry just hearing it from their words, because to me that's the truest and highest compliment I can get...First and foremost, my grandmother [Katherine Jackson, Michael's mother], who couldn't be more proud, and that makes me the happiest I can possibly be."

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