NYC mayor Zohran Mamdani to skip Met Gala breaking long standing tradition

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani is set to break with longstanding tradition by declining an invitation to the upcoming Met Gala, according to sources familiar with the situation. The high profile fashion event, scheduled for May 4, has historically welcomed sitting New York mayors as part of its cultural and civic significance, making Mamdani’s absence a notable departure.

Mamdani, 34, and New York City first lady Rama Duwaji were both invited to attend the annual fundraiser hosted at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, sources indicate that the mayor has chosen not to participate, with one suggesting that attending would conflict with his political values. Mamdani has previously expressed criticism of extreme wealth concentration, including stating that billionaires should not exist, a stance that appears to contrast with the event’s association with ultra wealthy donors.

This year’s gala is being financially supported in part by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, who are serving as lead donors and honorary co chairs. Their involvement has added another layer of scrutiny, given Mamdani’s public rhetoric around wealth inequality and corporate influence.

The Met Gala, organised in partnership with Vogue and overseen by editor in chief Anna Wintour, is widely regarded as one of the most prestigious events in global fashion. It raises funds for the Anna Wintour Costume Center and routinely draws a guest list of celebrities, designers and public figures. The 2026 theme, titled “Costume Art,” reflects the event’s continued emphasis on fashion as a cultural and artistic medium.

Previous mayors have consistently attended the gala, often using the platform to highlight social issues or celebrate the city’s cultural recovery. Eric Adams made headlines in 2022 with a custom jacket bearing an anti gun violence message, while Bill de Blasio and Michael Bloomberg were regular attendees during their tenures.

Mamdani’s decision has sparked mixed reactions across social media and political circles. Some observers view the move as a principled stance aligned with his political messaging, while others argue that skipping such a prominent New York institution risks distancing the mayor from an event deeply tied to the city’s cultural identity.

Additional attention has also been directed toward Duwaji, who was recently praised by Wintour for her distinctive style and use of vintage fashion. At the same time, past social media activity linked to the first lady has resurfaced in online discussions, adding further complexity to the public narrative surrounding the couple.