As the fashion world gears up for the highly anticipated Met Gala, set for May 4, 2026, some of its brightest stars are opting to sit this one out. Zendaya and Meryl Streep are reportedly among the notable absentees, a decision that comes in the wake of public outcry over the event’s sponsorship by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez.
Celebrity Absences Raise Eyebrows
This year’s gala marks a significant shift, as Bezos and Sánchez have been named the primary sponsors and honorary co-chairs of the event. Their involvement has sparked controversy, leading to calls for a boycott from various activist groups. Zendaya, a regular fixture at the Met, has decided to take a hiatus from the public eye following intense promotional tours for her recent projects, including *The Drama* and the third season of *Euphoria*. Her representative confirmed that she would not be attending the event this year, stating that the star is focusing on her well-being.
Meryl Streep, currently starring as the iconic Miranda Priestly in *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, has also chosen to skip the gala. Rumours suggest that she declined an invitation to co-chair the event due to her disapproval of Bezos and Sánchez’s involvement. Although Streep has never attended the Met Gala, her daughters, Grace and Mamie Gummer, are set to appear, along with her co-stars Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci.
Backlash and Boycott
The backlash against Bezos’s sponsorship has been palpable, with posters appearing around New York City that read: “Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by the firm that powers ICE,” a reference to the controversial immigration enforcement agency. This flyer campaign was spearheaded by the British political group Everyone Hates Elon, which takes a stand against the influence of billionaires in politics and society.
Despite the growing dissent, Anna Wintour, the long-time chair of the Met Gala, has defended the couple’s involvement. In an interview with CNN, she expressed her gratitude for Sánchez’s generosity and her understanding of fashion and costume, stating, “I’m very grateful for her incredible generosity, and she’s a great lover of costume and obviously of fashion, so we’re thrilled she’s part of the night.”
The Theme and Key Players
This year’s gala theme, “Costume Art,” aims to explore the significance of the dressed body within the realm of fashion. Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, noted that fashion serves as a common thread throughout the museum’s galleries. The dress code encourages attendees to view their bodies as blank canvases, prompting them to engage creatively with the theme.
Co-chairs for the event include powerhouses Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, along with a host committee featuring diverse talents such as Sabrina Carpenter, Doja Cat, and Misty Copeland. The inclusion of such high-profile figures promises a night of glamour and spectacle, despite the controversies surrounding its sponsorship.
Why it Matters
The decision of Zendaya and Meryl Streep to abstain from this year’s Met Gala is not just a personal choice; it reflects a broader sentiment among celebrities regarding ethical responsibility and corporate influence in high-profile events. As public figures navigate their roles in a world increasingly aware of social justice issues, their actions can inspire conversations and drive change. The Met Gala, a symbol of fashion’s elite, now finds itself at a crossroads, where glitz and glamour intersect with critical societal concerns, prompting attendees and observers alike to reconsider the implications of their participation.
