Schneiderman's downfall the talk of the Met Gala

While Eric Schneiderman’s political career came crashing down, New York City Council Speaker Corey Johnson was enjoying the perks of his new job at the Met Gala.

Johnson attended the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual fundraiser Monday night, and flouted the event’s usual social media ban by posting to Instagram from within the exclusive party.

Before all political hell broke loose, @CoreyinNYC insta’d some photos from inside the #MetGala. More in tomorrow’s @CityAndStateNY #FirstRead. pic.twitter.com/2ZbDIJFnuW

— Jeff Coltin (@JCColtin) May 8, 2018

Tickets are $30,000 apiece, but Johnson’s spokeswoman Jennifer Fermino said he was given free admission in his capacity as speaker, and that his attendance was approved by the city’s Conflicts of Interest Board. Former City Council Speaker Melissa Mark-Viverito attended the gala in 2014, in her first year as speaker.

City Council Cultural Affairs Committee Chairman Jimmy Van Bramer also went this year, as he has a number of times, and tweeted photos with Rihanna and former “Wonder Woman” actress Lynda Carter.

Maybe the most striking person here, and that’s saying a lot, #Rihanna #MetGala @rihanna pic.twitter.com/lmL8YCr1ZU

— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) May 8, 2018

#lifegoal achieved! Meeting the one and only #LyndaCarter, THE #wonderwoman of my youth. And she was a hoot, so funny and touched when I told her how much the gays love her! #metgala #heavenlybodies pic.twitter.com/McpBlWN24k

— Jimmy Van Bramer (@JimmyVanBramer) May 8, 2018

Johnson shied away from posting party pictures on his personal Twitter account, but did share his official statement calling for Schneiderman’s resignation – apparently written and sent while Johnson was at the gala.

In a message sent to City & State immediately before Madonna took the stage, Van Bramer said that Schneiderman’s accusations of abuse and his resignation were a big topic of conversation among the gala’s high-profile attendees.