Zendaya and A-List Stars to Skip 2026 Met Gala

Zendaya will not attend the 2026 Met Gala, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter and ELLE. The decision comes as the actress navigates a demanding professional schedule characterized by a series of high-profile project releases.

The absence of the Emmy-winning star is notable given her history with the event, where she and her longtime creative director and stylist, Law Roach, have consistently delivered some of the most discussed looks in the gala’s history. Her absence follows a 2025 appearance where she wore head-to-toe white for the Superfine: Tailoring Black Style exhibition.

A Demanding Release Calendar

Industry sources indicate that Zendaya’s busy year has left little room for the intensive preparation required for the Costume Institute’s annual benefit. The actress has recently completed a world press tour for the film The Drama, appearing alongside co-star Robert Pattinson.

The level of commitment required for such a tour, combined with other upcoming releases, has contributed to her decision to skip the 2026 event. Law Roach previously noted in a Reddit Ask Me Anything forum on April 30 that preparation for the Met Gala typically begins five months in advance, highlighting the significant time investment necessary to execute the star’s signature red-carpet moments.

Broader Controversies Surrounding the 2026 Gala

Zendaya’s absence coincides with a period of heightened tension and controversy surrounding the 2026 event. This year’s gala is the first to be bankrolled by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez, a move that has sparked significant backlash among both celebrities and activists.

The Daily Beast reports that a number of A-list stars have snubbed the event, with some citing the involvement of Bezos. This sentiment has extended beyond the celebrity circle; guerrilla activists in New York City have posted signs urging a boycott of the event, linking the gala to Bezos’s business practices.

The friction has also reached the political sphere. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has declined his invitation to the event, breaking a decades-long tradition of city mayors attending the gala. Mamdani, a socialist and Muslim, described his refusal as a historic snub to Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour.

The 2026 Met Gala, scheduled for May 4, faces an unusual climate of protest and high-profile absences, contrasting with the typical anticipation surrounding the guest list and theme.