Zendaya is reportedly among the major names missing this year’s Met Gala, and her absence is already feeding speculation.
The 2026 Met Gala is set for Monday, May 4, but this year’s event has drawn unusual criticism because Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos are involved as lead donors and honorary co-chairs.
Their role has sparked boycott calls from critics who argue the billionaire couple’s presence changes the tone of fashion’s biggest night.
Why is Zendaya Absent This Year?
According to ‘Elle,’ Zendaya is skipping the event to take a break from the spotlight. The actress has been coming off two heavy press cycles for ‘The Drama’ and ‘Euphoria’ season three. Her absence is notable because Zendaya has become one of the Met Gala’s most watched stars.
She has attended seven times since her 2015 debut, co-chaired in 2024, and drew major attention last year in an all-white Louis Vuitton suit.
For fans, a Met Gala without Zendaya is already a letdown.
Bezos Sponsorship Sparks Boycott Calls
Bezos and Sánchez’s role has drawn visible protest in New York.
Posters near the Metropolitan Museum reportedly read, “Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by the firm that powers ICE” and “Boycott the Bezos Met Gala.”
The campaign was organized by the British activist group Everyone Hates Elon, which describes itself as anti-billionaire.
Anna Wintour has defended Sánchez’s involvement, telling CNN that she will be “a wonderful asset to the museum and to the event.”
This year’s dress code is “Costume Art,” focused on the dressed body and the human form across the Met’s collection. Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams are serving as co-chairs.
Still, the biggest pre-event drama may not be the clothes. It may be who chose not to show up.
