Additional Coverage:
- List of stars snubbing Met Gala amid Jeff Bezos’ involvement grows after Zendaya skips (themirror.com)
The highly anticipated Met Gala is set to take place on Monday, May 4, at New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art, with this year’s theme centered on the idea that “Fashion is Art.” The event’s co-chairs include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. Notably, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez have been named honorary co-chairs following a substantial donation to the Costume Institute, a development that has sparked controversy and calls for a boycott.
The announcement of the Bezos couple’s involvement has led to growing protests and a swelling list of high-profile celebrities reportedly opting out of the gala. Social media and Manhattan streets have seen the emergence of “Boycott the Bezos Met Gala” campaigns, reflecting tensions around the tech billionaire’s presence.
Among those rumored to be sitting out this year’s event is Meryl Streep. The 76-year-old actress, known for her outspoken political views, reportedly declined an invitation to co-chair, marking a notable absence especially as she was expected to attend in conjunction with the premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2. Her co-stars Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, and Emily Blunt are confirmed to attend, but Streep’s decision adds a significant statement to the ongoing controversy.
Pop icon Lady Gaga, celebrated for her memorable Met Gala fashion moments, is also notably absent this year. Despite promoting the Devil Wears Prada sequel and contributing to its soundtrack, the 40-year-old singer has not appeared on guest lists or at associated events.
Zendaya, a perennial Met Gala favorite and style icon, has officially confirmed she will not attend. While busy with several projects including Euphoria and Dune Part II, fans speculate her absence is a form of protest, especially since Lauren Sánchez is being styled by Zendaya’s longtime stylist, Law Roach.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will break with tradition by skipping the gala alongside his wife, Rama Duwaji. The 34-year-old mayor cited his focus on affordability and addressing the city’s economic challenges, signaling possible discomfort with the gala’s current dynamics.
Reports also indicate several top luxury designers are sitting out this year’s Met Gala. Lauren Santo Domingo, founder of Moda Operandi, will not attend-a decision described as akin to a sports superstar missing a championship. Other designers rumored to be absent include Louis Vuitton’s Nicolas Ghesquière and JW Anderson’s Jonathan Anderson.
The Met Gala remains one of the fashion world’s most significant annual events, traditionally held on the first Monday in May. This year’s edition, however, is unfolding amid unprecedented debate over the intersection of philanthropy, influence, and cultural values in fashion’s biggest night.