Fashion’s biggest night, the Met Gala, was held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, themed “Costume Art,” paired with the dress code “Fashion is Art.” The event took place on May 6, 2026, and although it is fashion’s biggest night, it remains a major source of FOMO for fans
who may never get a glimpse of what it’s truly like. Even celebrities like Claressa Shields and Tokyo Toni are left manifesting their way into attending the star-studded event.
This, however, isn’t the case for celebrities like Blue Ivy Carter, Chase Infinity, and Sombr, who made a stunning first impression at their Met Gala debut in 2026.
On the other hand, there are other celebrities who chose to skip the 2026 Met Gala entirely, and others who haven’t attended in years.
Read on to see the celebrities who did not attend the 2026 Met Gala and why.
3 Stars Who Skipped the 2026 Met Gala
Taraji P. Henson
Despite attending the Met Gala several times and just making her most recent appearance at the 2025 Met Gala, Henson was conspicuously absent from the 2026 Met Gala. In the current political climate, Taraji P. Henson is choosing to speak up and even share her thoughts on celebrities who chose to attend the event.
The Straw Star commented on a post by a social media influencer, Meredith Lynch, who called out celebrities who wear the Ice Out pin to an event sponsored by Jeff Bezos. According to lynch, the Amazon founder, Bezos, is“part of the reason we’re in this f—ing mess.” Agreeing with her stance, Henson commented on the post, “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”
Zendaya
Zendaya has been having a big fashion moment since her longtime stylist, Law Roach, disclosed that she tied the knot with her longtime beau, Tom Holland. Seemingly, the actor played into a nuptial vibe with a lineup of wedding-themed outfits for the Drama press tour with stylist, Law Roach.
However, despite hinting that she may take a hiatus from the public eye, fans still held a little candle, hoping that she would show up at the Met Gala and, of course, make the best-dressed list one more time.
Moreso, the Dune actor’s stylist is spilling the tea on her one more time as he told Zuri Hall during Live From E!: Met Gala 2026 that Zendaya is absent from the Met Gala because, “She’s busy”.
This is very valid as the actor calendar is filled with major projects, including Euphoria season 3, Spiderman: Brand New Day, and Dune part 3.
Lady Gaga
Singer and actress Lady Gaga made a name for herself in the fashion universe thanks to a lineup of outlandish, out-of-the-box looks. From her famous meat dress to several daring fashion moments over the years, fans always have their eyes out for Lady Gaga’s red carpet looks.
Additionally, for an artist as creative and willing to take the extra step for a look, the Met Gala is undoubtedly the perfect night for “fashion Lady Gaga” to come out and play. Case in point: the 2019 Met Gala moment cemented with four epic campy looks that still live rent-free in the minds of fans. Sadly, Gaga has not made an appearance since her last appearance in 2019, which she attended as co-chair.
The singer was last seen at the New York City premiere of The Devil Wears Prada 2. She not only made a cameo, but she also contributed three songs to the movie’s soundtrack.
Find out all the details about the time Jennifer Garner decided to skip the Met Gala several years ago.
Mariam Emily Adama is a copywriter, SEO strategist, and digital marketer passionate about using words to inform, inspire, and influence. With over seven years of experience writing for global brands and managing digital campaigns, she brings a data-driven yet creative approach to content creation. When she’s not writing or analyzing trends, Mariam enjoys exploring new cultures, reading, and documenting stories that celebrate African excellence.