Diljit Dosanjh's fans call out RACISM over Met Gala look; fume over Punjabi star being DENIED permission to wear Patiala necklace

The 2025 Met Gala may have dazzled with high fashion and star-studded appearances, but controversy erupted online after fans accused fellow netizens of racism against Punjabi singer-actor Diljit Dosanjh.

Taking to social media, many were taken aback with the Indian star's decision to stand out with a Maharaja-inspired look, rooted in Punjabi history and legacy. Complete with a turban, cape, jewels and even a sword in hand, Diljit had all eyes on him when he walked the carpet commanding attention.

However, there were those to thought that the actor didn't stick to the 'Superfine: Tailoring Black Style'. "nobody cares if diljit dosanjh is indian he still need to follow the theme," read a post.

Diljit dressed according to the theme. But what would illiterates know? Did you ever researched the theme? Diljit here is representing heritage which is part of concept of dandyism. pic.twitter.com/ivgRwRRv4z

— Kookie🎀I AM STILL💜 (@JkKookie9709) May 7, 2025

when you know the history of punjab and punjabi people, you learn diljit wins the MET theme of black dandysim

— Alisha (@alishaokayy) May 7, 2025

as someone's anonymous oomf said, nobody cares if diljit dosanjh is indian he still need to follow the theme even tho he's a punjabi prince

— aminah ꨄ (@maggiesgirlyy) May 6, 2025

With several other such posts coming, in, fans slammed the 'casual racism' directed at the singer-actor over his culturally rooted outfit. One user wrote, “The amount of casual racism I’ve seen over Diljit’s Met outfit is sooo y’all just mad a brown man outdid your favs.” Another echoed the sentiment, stating, “Casual racism so bad I wish SRK and Diljit just stayed home.”

Critics also took aim at those questioning his outfit without understanding the theme, with one post reading, “Diljit dressed according to the theme. But what would illiterates know? Did you ever research the theme?”

Yall are racist as hell. For the people saying he's not on theme, he ABSOLUTELY is. Black dandyism is all about being impeccably groomed and dressed, accessorizing with purpose, and profound self-expression. This is Diljit embodying a version of dandyism in his own culture

— Christa🌹 (@christakuttyy14) May 7, 2025

the amount of casual racism i’ve seen over diljit’s met outfit is sooo 🥴 yall just mad a brown man outdid ur favs idk what to tell you

— azi ✩ misses jaehyun (@atinypop) May 6, 2025

casual racism so bad i wish srk and diljit just stayed home 😭😭😭

— rani (@formularani) May 7, 2025

silently reading all the hateful tweets against punjabi sikhs over diljit dosanjh’s met gala look.

it’s interesting how racism and hateful speech is completely fine if it’s toward south asians

— BABYSOO 🚬 (@dayumexo) May 7, 2025

The discussion soon shifted to a jewellery brand that reportedly denied the singer permission to wear the famed Patiala necklace. News broke on Tuesday that Diljit's team wanted to pay tribute to Sir Bhupinder Singh, the early 20th-century Maharaja of Patiala, and wanted to bring the homage closer by actually wearing the Maharaja's personal jewellery. But they were denied the request as it sits sealed in a museum, as reported by The New York Times.

Diljit Dosanjh paid tribute to the Maharaja of Patiala with his outfit and jewelry. The original Patiala Necklace was commissioned by and is now under the stewardship of Cartier, who allowed a white influencer to wear it at the Met in 2022.

But they denied Diljit the necklace 🤔 pic.twitter.com/qckYCFJVsB

— Rishi (rishim🦋) (@rishissb) May 7, 2025

Social media users voiced outrage over what they see as a double standard, pointing to the fact that influencer Emma Chamberlain was allowed to wear a Cartier diamond choker in 2022. In contrast, Diljit, known for his global cultural influence and unapologetic representation of his heritage, was allegedly barred from wearing the necklace as part of his look.

The incident has triggered widespread backlash online, with fans accusing fashion curators of cultural insensitivity and racial bias. “So Emma Chamberlain can wear a colonially looted Indian royal heirloom for aesthetic, but Diljit can’t wear a Patiala necklace from his own culture?”

Diljit Dosanjh was denied permission by Cartier to borrow Maharaja of Patiala's Chokher.

But they happily gave it to a White youtuber few years ago pic.twitter.com/9lKFX5jwNR

— Mr. Sushi (@Barasimgha) May 6, 2025

It’s ironic how this year’s MET Gala theme centered around color and culture, yet Cartier denied Diljit Dosanjh the chance to wear a necklace rooted in India and his own heritage, the same necklace Emma Chamberlain wore without issue!

— Sn13 (@Trimaxgold) May 6, 2025

Another wrote, "It’s ironic how this year’s MET Gala theme centered around color and culture, yet Cartier denied Diljit Dosanjh the chance to wear a necklace rooted in India and his own heritage, the same necklace Emma Chamberlain wore without issue!"

Still another added, "so Cartier denied Diljit “permission” to wear the necklace they STOLE from India after the british left in 1947 and it’s honestly exhausting how we’re constantly disrespected, like no shade but y’all Emma wear it but not him ? HES LITERALLY DRESSED LIKE THE PRINCE WHOSE IT WAS"

so Cartier denied Diljit “permission” to wear the necklace they STOLE from India after the british left in 1947 and it’s honestly exhausting how we’re constantly disrespected, like no shade but y’all Emma wear it but not him ? HES LITERALLY DRESSED LIKE THE PRINCE WHOSE IT WAS https://t.co/8Qbc1Dt389

— ceej? (@eternalcspring) May 7, 2025

crazy how Cartier denied Diljit the Patiala necklace which he wanted to wear to the MET Gala to pay homage to his ancestral roots, but let a white woman wear the same thing two years back.#MetGala

— makhfi (@makhfioncesaid) May 6, 2025

the idea Cartier thought Diljit wearing it would absolve them of any ownership over the necklace they now possess - yes! they are merely the curators and are now reviving a piece that was never theirs to begin with. https://t.co/SvoioYIPwa

— ava 🐹 (@uowemebig_time) May 6, 2025

"Crazy how Cartier denied Diljit the Patiala necklace which he wanted to wear to the MET Gala to pay homage to his ancestral roots, but let a white woman wear the same thing two years back," another commented.

In 1928, the prince commissioned Cartier to make him a 1,000-carat diamond necklace--the largest necklace the French jeweller had ever made.

Diljit, made history as one of the first major Punjabi artists to walk the Met Gala carpet.