Running into an ex at a big event can be uncomfortable, but it’s a whole different level of awkward when you unexpectedly come face-to-face with their mom — and that’s the situation Bad Bunny found himself in at the Met Gala.
Met Gala organizers can try to prevent former couples from being placed together at dinner, but they can’t control every hallway moment, photo-op, or spontaneous greeting away from the tables.
With so many A-listers packed into one venue, a few uneasy encounters are basically inevitable — and Bad Bunny’s brief exchange with Kris Jenner has been filed firmly into that category.
Bad Bunny, whose real name is Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, dated Kendall Jenner in 2023. The two were first linked publicly around that year’s Met Gala after-party, where they were seen together.
The relationship didn’t last long, though, and reports suggested they went their separate ways around December.
Even after the split, they’ve continued moving in some of the same circles, including major fashion events like the Met, which both frequently attend.
They’ve also appeared to keep things friendly. Reports previously suggested they were comfortable around each other at the 2024 after-party, and that they spent a bit of time together at last year’s event too.
So while there doesn’t seem to be open tension between Bad Bunny and Kendall, that didn’t stop an interaction with her family from looking stiff to viewers.
In a clip circulating online, Bad Bunny — dressed in a look that made him appear like an older version of himself — approaches Kris and puts an arm across her in what looks like a half-hug. Kris holds his arm and gives it a pat before he then briefly acknowledges Kim Kardashian as well.
Body language expert Inbaal Honigman later shared her interpretation of the moment.
“When Bad Bunny approaches Kris Jenner, he expects family warmth but receives a cold, friendly response.
“His arm embraces her, which we can all see, but there’s a subtle move which we almost miss.
“While he extends his awkward hug, he doesn’t just reach out his arm, but in addition he leans his head towards her, leaning right into her personal space like a cuddle – but she doesn’t lean her head back.”
Honigman went on to suggest the warmth wasn’t being reciprocated.
“It would appear that Benito expects a full warm family cuddle, for their heads to meet in the middle, but Kris is not prepared to share this level of warmth. She’s not returning his hug.
“Kris looks towards Bad Bunny, following him with her eyes, but doesn’t squeeze her body towards him for a hug, not at all.
“Similarly, Kim gesticulates towards the musician animatedly, she’s friendly but keeps a safe distance.
“The ladies are happy to acknowledge Benito and interact with him, but he won’t get any warmth from them, as their loyalty is for Kendall.”
It’s the kind of brief, blink-and-you-miss-it moment that still manages to feel painfully awkward once it hits social media.