Meryl Streep has confirmed she will not attend the Met Gala, joining a growing list of celebrities snubbing fashion's biggest night. The Oscar-winning actress, known for her role as Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, has never attended the event despite receiving invitations for many years.
Streep's Absence Explained
A representative for Streep told Metro: 'Meryl has been invited to the Met Gala for many years but has never attended. While she appreciates Vogue, Anna, and her incredible imagination and stamina, it has never quite been her scene.' Reports suggest Streep was invited to be a co-chair for the 2026 Met Gala but turned it down due to the involvement of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez, who serve as honorary co-chairs and lead sponsors.
Political Controversy
The Bezos family's alignment with the Trump administration has sparked backlash. A fashion insider told the Daily Mail that having 'two of the richest people to ever exist' host the event feels 'like a real slap in the face' given their political ties. Streep, a vocal Democrat who supported Hillary Clinton and spoke at Democratic conventions, likely avoided any association with the Bezoses.
Other Celebrities Missing
Zendaya, a Met Gala regular, will also be absent this year. Her stylist, Law Roach, confirmed he will attend solo, saying, 'It's one of the first times in my career that going to the Met is about me.' Zendaya is reportedly resting after wrapping press tours for The Drama and Euphoria season 3.
Met Gala 2026 Details
The Met Gala takes place on May 4 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. This year's theme is 'Costume Art,' with a dress code of 'Fashion is Art.' Co-chairs include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. The event will be livestreamed on Vogue's digital platforms.
Broader Boycott Calls
Criticism of the Bezos sponsorship has fueled calls for a boycott. An industry insider noted that the fashion industry is 'by and large very liberal,' and having Bezos, who contributed to Trump's inauguration, hosting the event 'rubs a lot of people the wrong way.' Past political statements at the Met Gala include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's 'TAX THE RICH' gown in 2021.
Despite the controversy, the Met Gala remains a major cultural event, though this year's edition is marked by notable absences and political tensions.
