As the fashion world gears up for one of its most extravagant nights, the 2025 Met Gala is set to witness notable absences, including Hollywood icons Zendaya and Meryl Streep. Their decision to forgo the event comes in the wake of widespread criticism regarding the involvement of billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez, who are taking the reins as the gala’s lead sponsors for the first time.
A Gala with a Twist
Scheduled to unfold on May 4, the Met Gala will see Bezos and Sánchez assume prominent roles as honorary co-chairs. The couple’s marriage last year was the talk of the town, featuring a lavish ceremony in Venice attended by a host of celebrities. However, their sponsorship has faced backlash, compelling some stars to reconsider their attendance.
Reports indicate that Zendaya is opting for a reprieve from the public eye after a whirlwind of promotional activities for her projects, including the much-anticipated third season of *Euphoria* and the new series *The Drama*. Her representative confirmed that this decision aligns with her desire to step back from the spotlight for a brief period.
Meryl Streep’s Dilemma
Meryl Streep, renowned for her roles and her enduring relationship with the Met Gala, is also absent from this year’s guest list. Sources reveal that she declined an invitation to co-chair the event, allegedly due to discontent with Bezos and Sánchez’s involvement. Streep has been invited to the gala multiple times but has never attended, preferring to maintain a distance from the event’s glitz and glamour.
Despite her absence, Streep’s daughters, Grace and Mamie Gummer, will be present, alongside her co-stars from *The Devil Wears Prada 2*, including Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci. Streep currently stars in a much-anticipated sequel, portraying a character inspired by the iconic Anna Wintour, the long-serving Met Gala chair and Vogue editor.
A Backlash Against Billionaires
The sponsorship by Bezos, who has been involved in various controversies, has ignited protests in New York City. Activist group Everyone Hates Elon has launched a campaign with posters urging attendees to boycott the gala, citing Bezos’s influence as problematic. Phrases like “Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by the firm that powers ICE” have emerged, encapsulating sentiments against the billionaire’s presence in the fashion sphere.
Anna Wintour, attempting to smooth over the criticism, expressed her gratitude for Sánchez’s involvement, emphasising her love for fashion and costume. “I think Lauren is going to be a wonderful asset to the museum and to the event,” Wintour stated in a recent interview, underscoring her belief in the couple’s contribution to the gala.
A Celebration of Art and Fashion
Despite the controversy, the Met Gala remains a beacon of artistic expression, with this year’s theme—“Costume Art”—inviting attendees to explore the significance of the human form in fashion. Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, highlighted this theme, stating that fashion serves as a common thread throughout the museum’s diverse collections.
The event will also feature a dazzling roster of co-chairs, including Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, while the Gala Host Committee boasts an array of celebrities from various artistic disciplines, including singer Sam Smith and ballerina Misty Copeland.
Why it Matters
The absence of key figures like Zendaya and Meryl Streep at the Met Gala not only reflects personal choices but also highlights a growing trend among celebrities to engage with social issues and political activism. As the event draws attention for its lavishness and influence, the decisions of these stars resonate beyond the red carpet, signalling a shift in how the entertainment elite interact with the power structures of wealth and celebrity. In an era where social conscience is paramount, their choices serve as a reminder that the glamour of the gala is intertwined with deeper societal concerns.
