Met Gala 2026 notable no-shows: Zendaya, Rachel Zegler and more to reportedly skip event this year

Several high-profile figures are set to miss the 2026 Met Gala, according to reports and related sources, as preparations continue for the annual fashion event in New York.

The gala, scheduled for Monday, May 4, will follow this year’s theme, “Costume Art,” with a dress code titled “Fashion is Art,” curated by the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute under the direction of Anna Wintour.

Among those confirmed to be absent is Rachel Zegler, who reportedly said she would be working on the day of the event.

Zendaya will also not attend, with Elle reporting that the actor is taking a break after consecutive promotional commitments and ahead of upcoming film releases.

Florence Welch is expected to miss the event due to a scheduled tour performance in Houston, while Sadie Sink and Rosamund Pike are both likely to remain in London, where they are appearing in West End productions with performances booked for the same evening.

Priyanka Chopra Jonas may also be absent, with reports indicating she could be filming in Antarctica. She commented on the theme, saying, “I mean… What? You can do anything with that! And, honestly, being a spectator can be just as fun.”

Meryl Streep is not expected to attend, with a representative stating, “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.”

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed he will not attend, while Lauren Santo Domingo is also reported to be skipping this year’s event.

Actor Billy Porter said he has not been invited since 2019. “No, I’m not going. I have not been invited,” he said, adding, “I don’t go to places where I’m not welcome. Period. Point blank.”