What Really Happened to the Stylist Who Was “Manhandled” Outside the Carlyle Hotel the Night of the Met Ball

On Monday, May 5, the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s blue-carpet event dazzled attendees as it was meticulously arranged for timed entrances.
Vogue
staff, making for a supremely smooth beginning to fashion’s biggest night.

The serene scene at the entrance of the Metropolitan Museum of Art on 82nd Street and Fifth Avenue masked the organized frenzy behind the scenes as they prepared celebrities for their grand appearance on the red carpet: styling hair, applying makeup, quick alterations, fashion experts scurrying through Upper East Side hotels catering to numerous VIPs, swapping shoes, delivering jewelry, and not forgetting the gawking New Yorkers eager to catch sight of well-known personalities. This meticulously managed chaos escalated dramatically this year when Hollywood stylist Jessica Paster was suddenly apprehended by law enforcement right outside the famously upscale Carlyle Hotel, mere blocks from the museum. She was then pulled through the gathered spectators amid pouring rain.

Paster’s client Quinta Brunson was staying at the hotel – as was Paster, who’d been checked in for two weeks in the run-up to the gala. A YouTube video portrays a gray sweatsuit-clad Paster clutching a Sephora bag, attempting to pass the crush of about sixty looky-loos at approximately 3:30 p.m. A foreboding group of NYPD officers hold back the crowd while guarding the Carlyle entrance like the Gates of Hell. When cops attempt to stop Paster from entering with a jewelry delivery for Brunson, the stylist insists: “No! I’m staying at this hotel!” (as was her dog Harper). As she makes for the revolving door, two female cops grab her arms and pull her away. Shortly thereafter, the YouTube video cuts off.

According to sources who asked not to be named, a female Carlyle Hotel employee then came out, alerting cops that Paster was indeed a longtime guest. The stylist – who also works with Emily Blunt, Aubrey Plaza, Simone Biles and others – was finally ushered inside. Minutes later, Paster popped out, shooting pics of the female officers, exclaiming that she’d sue the NYPD.

Jess wore a wristband. Their conduct was completely unacceptable. The hotel ought to have been more diligent,” remarks an eyewitness who further notes that law enforcement officials were equally impolite towards celebrities’ respective representatives and staff members. ‘I understand they must perform their duties, but individuals associated with the Met Ball experienced similar treatment from police officers,’ states another witness.
and
the hotel.”

“Yes, the NYPD officers were terrible,” remarks another informant. “This incident occurred at the hotel level. Who would want to remain there afterward? Jess experienced physical violence; she sustained injuries. The Carlyle ought to have deployed staff members beforehand to ensure only legitimate guests with proper identification could enter. Last-minute deliveries from couriers were coming and going—everything became soaking wet. Now, every individual connected to this situation is
very
frustrated. It only intensified the turmoil of an already tumultuous day. The Carlyle ought to extend an apology. There should be
demand
they do.”

An industry source who spoke to Paster says she was thrown to the ground, has bruises on both arms and a possible injury to her lungs. “She was shaking after,” says the source. “She was beat up. She hasn’t been able to sleep since. You know, she had her puppy with her – she was worried the puppy would get hurt. Useless security for the hotel just stood there watching – they did nothing! Everyone was stunned. The Carlyle and Mark hotels on Madison deal with Met Ball guests every year, why can’t they get it together? Sydney Sweeney was staying here – what if she walked out without makeup, in a baseball cap? If they’d manhandled her, can you imagine the response! Doechii was smart – she was smuggled out in a box,” says the source of the large white box on wheels that carted the rapper to her Met Ball arrival.

So far, no legal action has been initiated, the NYPD hasn’t made any statements, and The Carlyle has not provided an apology.