TL;DR
- Several A-listers are skipping the Met Gala this year.
- Meryl Streep and Billy Porter are notable absences.
- Bella Hadid protests Jeff Bezos’ involvement.
- Reasons range from scheduling conflicts to personal choices.
- The event remains a hot topic in celebrity culture.
The Met Gala is the glittering crown jewel of the fashion world, where the elite strut their stuff in jaw-dropping outfits, but this year, the red carpet will be missing some big names. From political statements to personal choices, a handful of celebrities are giving the iconic event a hard pass. Let’s dive into the drama surrounding the 2026 Met Gala absentees.
First up, we have the legendary Meryl Streep, who’s currently dazzling audiences in The Devil Wears Prada 2. Despite her connection to the fashion world, she’s opted out of the gala. Rumors swirl that her absence is linked to the event’s co-chairs, billionaires Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos. According to her publicist, it’s just not her scene. Who can blame her for skipping a party that’s more about the glitz than the grit?
Next, we have the fabulous Billy Porter, who made waves in 2019 with his unforgettable golden wings. This year, however, he’s not on the guest list. In a candid chat on SiriusXM, Porter said, “I’m good. It’s all good… I don’t go to places where I’m not welcome.” Talk about serving up some realness! If they don’t want you, honey, you don’t need them.
And let’s not forget Bella Hadid, who’s also sitting this one out. The model has attended the Met Gala five times but is skipping this year in protest of Bezos’ sponsorship. Although she hasn’t made a formal statement, her social media activity suggests she’s not on board with the billionaire’s involvement. Can you blame her for wanting to stand up for what she believes in?
Other notable absentees include actor John Krasinski, who’s rumored to be missing out due to a scheduling conflict, and singer Ariana Grande, who can’t make it because of her busy work commitments. Even Blake Lively, a Met Gala regular, is reportedly off the invite list this year. Talk about a shake-up!
As the clock ticks down to the event, the buzz around these absences only adds to the intrigue of the Met Gala. It’s not just about who shows up, but why some of our favorite stars are choosing to stay home. With the event’s history steeped in glamour and controversy, this year’s guest list is sure to spark conversations long after the last flashbulb pops. So, while some celebs are strutting their stuff, others are making a statement by not showing up at all. Fashion is political, darling, and this year’s Met Gala is no exception.