Highlights:
- Zendaya and Meryl Streep among top stars skipping the Met Gala
- Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s sponsorship sparks backlash
- Rumors of Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud resurface
- Several designers and socialites reportedly opt out
- Event still expected to feature major celebrity presence
Zendaya attends the 2025 Met Gala Celebrating "Superfine: Tailoring Black Style" at Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 05, 2025 in New York City.Getty Images
Zendaya will not attend the 2026 Met Gala, marking a notable absence from one of fashion’s biggest nights. According to reports, the Emmy-winning actor is taking a break from the spotlight after a busy year filled with major projects.
Zendaya has been a regular presence at the Met Gala, attending seven times between 2015 and 2019, and again in 2024 and 2025. In 2024, she even served as a co-chair. Known as a fashion icon, she has often had among the most anticipated appearances at the event.
Her decision to skip this year comes after an intense schedule, including press tours for The Drama and Season 3 of Euphoria, as well as promotions for upcoming projects The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, where she stars alongside her partner and rumored husband, Tom Holland.
Meryl Streep declines invitation again
Meryl Streep attends "The Devil Wears Prada 2" European Premiere inside Leicester Square on April 22, 2026 in London, England.Getty Images
Oscar-winning actor Meryl Streep has also chosen not to attend the 2026 Met Gala. Reports indicate she turned down a co-chair invitation, with speculation linking her decision to the involvement of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.
However, her representative clarified her long-standing stance, saying:
“Meryl has been invited to the Met Gala for many years but has never attended. While she appreciates Vogue, Anna, and her incredible imagination and stamina, it has never quite been her scene.”
Despite her absence, her The Devil Wears Prada 2 co-stars Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are expected to attend, along with her daughters.
Bezos’ sponsorship sparks boycott calls
This year’s Met Gala is notably backed by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. This development has triggered criticism and boycott calls from some activists and figures in fashion and entertainment circles.
Reports suggest that several designers and socialites have opted out of the event in protest, citing concerns over the couple’s perceived political associations. The controversy has added a new layer of tension to the otherwise glamorous event.
Zendaya-Sydney Sweeney feud rumors resurface
Sydney Sweeney poses for a portrait backstage during the 2026 Stagecoach Festival at Empire Polo Club on April 25, 2026 in Indio, California.Getty Images
Zendaya’s absence also comes amid ongoing rumors of a feud with her Euphoria co-star Sydney Sweeney. Speculation grew during the show’s press tour, where the two actors were not photographed together.
Sweeney has drawn attention for her perceived political associations and public reactions to her advertising campaigns. Despite the rumors, fellow cast member Jessica Blair Herman stated in an interview that the actors maintained a good relationship during filming.
Both Zendaya and Sweeney have largely avoided public political statements, but the speculation has continued to circulate online.
Star power remains despite absences
Despite the high-profile no-shows, the 2026 Met Gala is still expected to attract a major celebrity lineup. Notable figures including Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour are set to serve as co-chairs.
Addressing criticism over the sponsorship, Wintour defended Lauren Sánchez’s involvement, stating:
“She’s a great lover of costume and obviously of fashion, so we’re thrilled she’s part of the night,” she said, adding that she was grateful for the couple’s “incredible generosity.”
The Met Gala is scheduled to take place on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, and is still expected to be a star-studded affair despite the controversy.
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