In a surprising turn of events, two of Hollywood’s most celebrated talents, Zendaya and Meryl Streep, have chosen to forgo this year’s Met Gala, which is set to take place on May 4. Their absence comes amidst a growing tide of criticism directed at the event, primarily due to its association with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez, who are the lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs for the evening.
A Gala Under Fire
The Met Gala, an annual highlight in the fashion calendar, is not without its controversies this year. Bezos and Sánchez’s involvement has ignited calls for a boycott, with some critics accusing them of leveraging their wealth and influence to dominate this prestigious occasion. The couple, who celebrated their wedding in a lavish ceremony in Venice last year, have become focal points for those concerned about the implications of billionaire sponsorship in cultural events.
Zendaya, a Met Gala regular since her debut in 2015, has reportedly opted out of this year’s festivities to take a much-needed break after an intensive promotional tour for her recent projects, including “The Drama” and the third season of “Euphoria.” A spokesperson for the actress confirmed that she would be stepping away from the spotlight for the time being, emphasising the importance of self-care amidst her busy schedule.
Streep, meanwhile, is said to have declined an invitation to co-chair the event, reportedly due to reservations about the high-profile sponsorship. Known for her roles that often reflect strong, complex women, Streep’s decision aligns with her history of avoiding the Met Gala, despite being invited repeatedly over the years. Her representative conveyed that while she appreciates the efforts of Vogue and its editor-in-chief Anna Wintour, the gala has never resonated with her personal style.
The Backlash Intensifies
Protests against the event have been visible around New York City, where posters reading “Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by the firm that powers ICE” have appeared, courtesy of the activist group Everyone Hates Elon. This political organisation, which criticises the excesses of billionaires, aims to draw attention to what they perceive as the problematic nature of wealth in cultural spaces.
Despite the escalating backlash, Wintour has defended the couple’s participation, expressing her belief that Lauren Sánchez will enrich the event with her passion for fashion and costumes. “I’m very grateful for her incredible generosity,” Wintour stated in an interview last year, hoping to assuage concerns and focus on the positive contributions they will bring.
A Gala with a Meaningful Theme
The theme for this year’s Met Gala is “Costume Art,” which invites guests to explore the relationship between fashion and the human form. According to Andrew Bolton, the curator of the Costume Institute, this theme serves as an invitation for attendees to consider their bodies as canvases, reflecting the integral role that fashion plays across different art forms within the museum’s collection.
Co-chaired by icons such as Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, this year’s gala promises to be a spectacle, even amidst the controversies surrounding its sponsorship.
Why it Matters
The Met Gala, often regarded as the pinnacle of fashion events, is now at a crossroads, grappling with issues of corporate influence and social responsibility. The decisions of stars like Zendaya and Meryl Streep to skip the gala bring to light a significant dialogue about the ethics of sponsorship in art and culture. As the event approaches, the ongoing discussions surrounding privilege and accountability in the fashion industry will likely continue to resonate, shaping not only public perception but also the future of the Met Gala itself.
