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Broadway star Billy Porter spoke to E! News on April 25, 2024, and explained why he would be missing the 2024 Met Gala set to be held on May 6, 2024. He spoke about his choice to sit out the event to focus on personal health and grief management following his mother's death.
"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," Porter said.
During an exclusive interview with E! News at the TIME 100 Gala, Billy Porter explained the physical and emotional toll the loss has taken on him.
"Daddy's tired, I can't do everything," the star said.
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He also shed light on his current state and the need to step back from his high-profile engagements to prioritize self-care and recovery. Billy Porter's mother Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford passed away at the age of 79, on February 29, 2024. Billy and his sister Mary Martha Ford made a joint Instagram post to share the news.
Billy Porter's relationship with his mother, Cloerinda was deeply influential and multifaceted. His mother's acceptance played a crucial role, particularly after he disclosed his HIV-positive status to her, a moment that highlights the depth of their relationship.
Billy Porter will skip this year's Met Gala due to his mother's demise
While speaking to E! News at the TIME 100 Gala, Billy Porter mentioned that he was navigating the loss of his mother Cloerinda Jean Johnson Porter-Ford. He added that he was committed to honoring her influence and legacy through his public appearances and artistic endeavors. He also noted that he wouldn't be attending the 2024 Met Gala on May 6 as he is focusing on taking care of himself.
In 2017 during a Build Series interview, Porter spoke about his mother's resilience and unwavering spirit. He said that she "fought for her life" every day despite people telling her that she "shouldn't even bother."
"That woman has got out of bed every single day of her life and has fought for her life when everybody on the planet said that she shouldn't even bother. I don't know how to be anything else when you have an example like that. You can't be anything else," Porter said.
In the wake of his mother's passing, Porter received a wave of support from fellow celebrities and the public. Figures like Loni Love, Tamron Hall, and Lena Waithe extended their condolences and support. This also underscored the community's recognition of the loss and their respect for Billy's decision to prioritize healing.
Loni Love's comment echoed the sentiment of communal support and remembrance.
"I’m so sorry but please keep the beautiful memories of your Mother to heart. Prayers for the whole family at this time," Love's comment read.
During an appearance on Today with Hoda & Jenna in December 2023, Billy Porter spoke about the foundational support his mother provided. He particularly spoke about how it was relevant to his experiences as a queer individual. He noted that having the family's support makes it easier for queer individuals to "navigate life." He also highlighted the importance of both biological and chosen families in providing support and acceptance.
"When we have support from our family, it's much easier to navigate life. Very often, queer people are kicked out of their spaces, and we have figured out how to create our chosen families, and that's okay too. Family comes in many different form," Porter said.
The star has also previously spoken about his fear of how his mother would react to his queer identity due to her religious beliefs. However, he said that her response was to be supportive and loving. She also told Porter that he shouldn't have carried the burden alone for so long before reaffirming her unconditional love for him.
Billy Porter has described his mother as having lived a life filled with love and resilience, imparting lessons of true Christianity and strength despite physical limitations. Porter often mentioned how he draws strength from his mother and how it helped him shape his own approach to life's challenges.
The values his mother instilled in him continue to resonate in Porter's ongoing advocacy for equality and his public persona. Although he isn't attending the 2024 Met Gala, the star plans to keep honoring his mother and her influence on him through his work.
