When someone like Meryl Streep is absent from the Met Gala, everyone tends to notice. Industry insiders and fans have shown curiosity regarding the reason behind her absence. Additionally, rumors suggesting her choice may be linked to the presence of Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos just added to the speculations. 

The surprise absence has just added fuel to the fire and raised more questions than answers. 

Veteran actress Meryl Streep will not be attending the 2026 Met Gala amid a public backlash against Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez. This is reportedly because they have been named as the primary donors and honorary co-chairs of the event. Additionally, Streep is said to have denied an offer to be a co-chair. 

Her representative has stated to The Independent that it is not her “scene” and that she will not be attending. 

“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.” 

Streep is currently promoting The Devil Wears Prada 2, which features a glammed-up, star-studded cameo. She has been invited to the event in past years but never went. Her absence now leaves a noticeable gap, drawing added attention to who will shape the night instead.

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Meanwhile, Streep’s decision is only adding to a much larger storm brewing around this year’s Met Gala.  

The focus on who is missing from the Met comes amidst the growing criticism over Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez being named key donors and honorary co-chairs. Furthermore, his company, Amazon, is the primary sponsor. The pair has also faced accusations of buying their invitations.  Their involvement has generated anger on social media, with celebrities calling for a boycott.  

Signs reading “Boycott the Bezos Met Ball” have been emerging for a month in New York, where the event takes place every year. For context, Bezos' involvement has sparked backlash over corporate influence and wealth inequality. Activists point to Amazon’s alleged exploitation of workers, union-busting and its ties to immigration enforcement technology as examples of “excessive wealth” amid economic uncertainty. 

Spider-Man star Zendaya, who has been a steady attendee of the gala for the last seven years, is also reportedly passing on the fashion event this time. Additionally, New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani has already said that he will not be attending Met Gala on Monday either. Whether driven by personal preference or the surrounding controversy, Streep’s decision has only intensified the spotlight on this year’s event. 

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Is Meryl Streep’s decision simply personal, or is it part of a larger shift unfolding around this year’s Met Gala? Let us know in the comments.