Feature Queen Latifah Joined by Longtime Partner Eboni Nichols at 2024 Met Gala
Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols Cindy Ord/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
Queen Latifah attended her first Met Gala with her partner, Eboni Nichols, by her side. They were all smiles as they walked up the steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City on Monday, May 6. Latifah, who is 54 years old, looked stunning in a shimmering dress adorned with orange floral decals, paired with a statement black coat featuring white-and-black trim.
Nichols looked stunning in a black square-neck dress, paired with a black-and-white structured plaid coat and a black polka dot lace face veil. Her dress also featured an embroidered red rose, adding a touch of elegance to her ensemble.
During a red carpet interview with Vogue correspondent Emma Chamberlain, Latifah jokingly mentioned that Eboni asked her out on a date. Nichols playfully responded by saying, "I was like, 'We're going to the Met ball. Make it happen.'" Their playful banter added a lighthearted touch to the event.
Latifah wanted to impress her partner by fulfilling their date night request, thanks to an invitation from Thom Browne for the Met event.
When asked if they prepared for the big fashion night together, Nichols mentioned that they got ready in the same area but separately. Latifah humorously added, "Especially for two dolls, we need all that space and room."
Queen Latifah Joined by Longtime Partner Eboni Nichols at 2024 Met Gala
Eboni Nichols and Queen Latifah Arturo Holmes/MG24/Getty Images for The Met Museum/Vogue
The pair’s Met Gala appearance comes just two days after Latifah performed at the 2024 New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival on Saturday, May 4. Latifah shared on the Met red carpet that they had a big 90-minute show and fittings before the festival, while also taking care of parenting duties in between. They had four fittings before arriving at the Met Gala.
Chamberlain asked if their son, Rebel, was excited to see their glamorous outfits. Latifah humorously replied that Rebel was not even aware, as he was just enjoying his happy life. They would send him videos and pictures, and he would express how amazing they looked, especially after Eboni sent him a picture. Rebel was definitely loving it.
Nichols added that Rebel was “very happy to see us dressed up.” (The duo have kept their child out of the public eye since reportedly welcoming him in 2019.)
Queen Latifah Joined by Longtime Partner Eboni Nichols at 2024 Met Gala 2
Eboni Nichols and Queen Latifah have been seen together on the red carpet multiple times since they were first linked in 2013. They attended events like the amfAR Cannes Gala and the Aston Martin DB12 launch party in France in May 2023. Nichols also accompanied Latifah to the 2023 Grammys and the premiere of the film Lyle, Lyle Crocodile in NYC in October 2022.
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Latifah, known for keeping her personal life private, hinted at her desire to start a family in a 2016 interview with E! Despite her usual discretion, she playfully mentioned, "I think I’m ready. I can’t say what God has for me, but you will see. You’ll see when I’m lugging the baby on the hip that there is actually a youngin around here."
Editor's P/S:
Queen Latifah's appearance at the Met Gala with her partner, Eboni Nichols, marks a significant moment in their relationship and a rare glimpse into Latifah's personal life. Their playful banter and evident affection for each other add a warm and relatable touch to the glamorous event. Nichols' elegant yet edgy style complements Latifah's striking presence, making them a stylish couple on the red carpet.
While Latifah maintains her privacy, her playful comments about her family and her desire to start one provide a glimpse into her personal aspirations. Her humorous reference to their son, Rebel, enjoying their Met Gala outfits underscores the importance of family and the shared moments that make life special. Through their public appearances and their playful conversations, Queen Latifah and Eboni Nichols offer a refreshing and endearing portrayal of love and partnership.