As the countdown to the 2025 Met Gala begins, two iconic figures, Zendaya and Meryl Streep, have chosen to forgo the glamorous event, stirring conversations among fans and industry insiders alike. This year’s gala, scheduled for May 4, will be notably sponsored by billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez, who have taken on the roles of lead donors and honorary co-chairs. Their involvement has sparked significant backlash, prompting a call for a boycott from various quarters.
A Star-Studded Event with a Twist
The Met Gala, renowned for its extravagant fashion and high-profile attendees, is set to take a different tone this year with Bezos and Sánchez in the spotlight. While the couple wed last year in a lavish Venice ceremony, many celebrities are expressing discontent over their sponsorship, which some critics argue undermines the event’s integrity.
In a statement to The Independent, a representative for Zendaya confirmed that the actress would be stepping back from the limelight after an intense promotional period for her recent projects, including “The Drama” and “Euphoria” season three. Zendaya has been a staple at the Met Gala since her debut in 2015, co-chairing the event in 2024 and dazzling attendees last year in a striking all-white Louis Vuitton ensemble. Missing this year’s affair marks a notable shift for the star.
Meryl Streep’s Long-Standing Absence
Meryl Streep, another titan of the screen, is also set to miss the gala. Reports suggest that she declined an invitation to co-chair the event, primarily due to the controversial sponsorship. Streep’s representative noted that while she has been invited for years, she has never attended, stating, “It has never quite been her scene.” Nonetheless, her daughters, Grace and Mamie Gummer, plan to attend, along with her co-stars from “The Devil Wears Prada 2,” Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci.
In her latest role, Streep portrays the formidable Miranda Priestly, a character inspired by the event’s long-time chair, Anna Wintour. The irony of her absence, especially while playing a character so closely tied to the fashion world, has not gone unnoticed.
Protests and Backlash
The involvement of Bezos and Sánchez has ignited protests, with posters popping up around New York City bearing messages like “Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by the firm that powers ICE.” This campaign was orchestrated by the British activist group Everyone Hates Elon, known for its anti-billionaire stance. Critics argue that Bezos’s sponsorship represents a troubling trend of wealth influencing cultural spaces that should remain accessible and inclusive.
In response to the criticism, Anna Wintour has defended the couple’s participation, expressing gratitude for their support. “I think Lauren is going to be a wonderful asset to the museum and the event,” she told CNN, highlighting Sánchez’s passion for fashion and costume.
A Unique Theme for a Unique Year
This year’s Met Gala theme, “Costume Art,” invites attendees to explore the significance of the dressed body, encouraging them to consider how fashion can serve as a canvas for artistic expression. Andrew Bolton, curator of the Costume Institute, emphasised that fashion is a common thread linking all aspects of the museum’s collection, making this theme particularly relevant.
The gala will feature co-chairs Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, alongside a diverse host committee that includes notable figures such as Doja Cat and Teyana Taylor. As the event approaches, anticipation builds, even amidst the controversy surrounding its sponsorship.
Why it Matters
The decision of Zendaya and Meryl Streep to skip the Met Gala exemplifies the growing tensions between celebrity culture and social responsibility. As the event’s sponsorship raises questions about the influence of wealth in the arts, it highlights a broader discourse on the role of public figures in advocating for or against systemic issues. In an age where celebrity actions can influence public sentiment, their absence serves as a poignant reminder of the complex relationship between fame, fashion, and social values.