Zendaya, Rachel Zegler and other celebrities will not attend the Met Gala 2026, taking place tonight in New York.
- As final preparations take shape, several key figures have already confirmed they will not attend the most anticipated event on the fashion calendar.
The Met Gala 2026 takes place tonight at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and, as every first Monday in May, promises to become the global epicentre of fashion, cinema and culture. Under the dress code “Fashion is Art” and with the exhibition “Costume Art” at its core, everything is set for a red carpet that will once again define trends and visual narratives on an international scale.
However, just hours before the event, the conversation is not only about who will attend, but also about the major absences. This year, several key names have confirmed they will not be present, generating a parallel anticipation that has already become part of the cultural phenomenon surrounding the gala.
Zendaya
One of the most anticipated figures of each edition will not be attending the Met Gala tonight. According to Elle, the actress has chosen to take a break following an especially intense period marked by the promotion of ‘The Drama’ and the new season of ‘Euphoria’. She is also preparing for the release of ‘The Odyssey’ and ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’, which has influenced her decision to step back temporarily from the spotlight. Her absence leaves a noticeable gap on the red carpet, where in previous years she has delivered some of the most talked-about looks.
Rachel Zegler
The actress has directly confirmed that she will not attend the gala, putting an end to any speculation about her presence. Although she has not shared further details, her absence adds to a growing list of young names who will not be part of this year’s event.
Sadie Sink
In the case of Sadie Sink, everything suggests her absence is due to professional commitments. The actress is currently in London starring in ‘Romeo and Juliet’ in the West End, with a performance scheduled for this very evening. Barring any last-minute changes, her presence on stage makes attending the gala virtually impossible.
Priyanka Chopra Jonas
The situation of Priyanka Chopra Jonas is less definitive, but equally significant. According to British Vogue, the actress may be in Antarctica filming the project ‘Varanasi’, which would keep her away from New York on one of the most important nights in the fashion calendar. Even so, Chopra hinted at her interest in this year’s theme, highlighting its creative breadth.
Meryl Streep
Although her name often appears on the list of potential attendees, Meryl Streep will not be present, a decision that comes as no surprise. According to Page Six, her representative has explained that the actress has been invited on numerous occasions, but that the Met Gala has never aligned with her personal style. Her absence, therefore, reflects a consistency with her career rather than a one-off decision.
Zohran Mamdani
New York mayor Zohran Mamdani has also confirmed that he will not attend the event. In statements reported by Hellgate, he expressed his admiration for the museum, but made it clear that he will not be part of the gala this year.
Billy Porter
One of the most talked-about cases is that of Billy Porter, who has revealed that he has not been invited since 2019. The actor, known for his iconic appearances at the Met Gala, spoke openly about the situation on SiriusXM’s ‘Bevelations’, where he was unequivocal: “I don’t go where I’m not welcome. I’ve reached a point where I don’t need external validation.” His absence is particularly striking given his historic impact on the event’s red carpet.
Beyond the specific names, these absences reflect a reality that is intrinsic to the identity of the Met Gala itself. The event’s narrative is not built solely on those who attend, but also on those who choose not to. In many cases, absences stem from professional commitments, personal decisions or simply a disconnect with the format of the event.
With everything set for the evening to begin, all that remains is to see which names will ultimately define the night… and which will continue to shape the conversation precisely through their absence.
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