Billy Porter Shares He’s Skipping Met Gala As He Mourns Death Of His Mother: ‘I Have To Take Care Of Myself’

Billy Porter

Billy Porter Shares He’s Skipping Met Gala As He Mourns Death Of His Mother: ‘I Have To Take Care Of Myself’

Billy Porter won’t be gracing the steps of the Met Gala this year.

The Pose alum, 54, shared that he’s not attending fashion’s biggest night next month as he continues to mourn the death of his mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford.

He told E! News,

“I just lost my mom. I have to take care of myself, so I’m doing that. And that means not going to the party sometimes.”

He added that  “Daddy’s tired,” and pointed out,

“I can’t do everything.”

Billy Porter

He is still performing and on the “tour circuit,” he continued, adding that he’s

 “doing lots of prides and music festivals, going on tour of the U.K. So, I’m slowly trying to build that part of my audience.” 

He noted his dream collaborations are Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar and Lady Gaga. 

Billy Porter announced the death of his mother last month, sharing on Instagram that she died peacefully with her family by her side.

“With heavy hearts we announce the passing of our loving mother, Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford. We were right beside her when she took her last breath, wrapped in our arms.”

He saluted his mother as a brave warrior, adding,

“Mommy lived life to the fullest despite physical limitations pressed upon her.”

He praised her as

“the personification of true Christianity and her unconditional love is a template that the world could benefit from employing. Her example is what we continue to strive for.”

He ended with,

“We are heartbroken she is no longer here with us, but find solace that her suffering has ended. Her fight was long and hard—she did it with grace and integrity. Mommy will remain forever in our hearts as she continues to guide us from above, as she has done on this Earth.”

Continued prayers to Billy Porter during this difficult time.