What Happened to Zendaya at the 2026 Met Gala? Understanding Her Absence
Zendaya Skips 2026 Met Gala; Stylist Explains Absence
Zendaya was notably absent from the 2026 Met Gala, held on May 4, where attendees celebrated the "Costume Art" theme. The acclaimed actress, known for her role in Euphoria, missed the prestigious event, prompting her stylist, Law Roach, to clarify her whereabouts during an interview with Zuri Hall on Live From E!. "She’s busy," Roach stated.
Throughout the past decade, Zendaya has graced the Met Gala red carpet seven times, captivating audiences with her bold fashion choices. Her debut in 2015 paved the way for memorable appearances, including a striking Cinderella-inspired gown by Tommy Hilfiger in 2019. In 2024, she co-chaired the gala, walking the red carpet twice in a stunning Maison Margiela gown followed by a vintage Givenchy couture look adorned with a floral headpiece.
In 2025, Zendaya made headlines once again with a white Louis Vuitton zoot suit and matching hat. The event saw an unexpected twist as actress Anna Sawai donned a similar outfit designed by Dior. Following their matching ensembles, Law Roach addressed any perceived rivalry, explaining, “I think people thought there was some kind of disappointment on our end.” He emphasized their camaraderie with Sawai’s stylist, Karla Welch, and noted that Zendaya even sent flowers to Sawai, celebrating her first Met Gala appearance.
Since her last Met Gala outing, Zendaya has been at the center of marriage rumors involving Tom Holland. Roach ignited speculation in March when he mentioned to Access Hollywood, “The wedding has already happened. You missed it.” He later affirmed the authenticity of his claim. Zendaya further fueled the narrative by sporting a gold ring on her left hand, although no formal confirmation of marriage has been provided by either party.
In a lighthearted moment during a Jimmy Kimmel Live! appearance, when asked about the swirling rumors, Zendaya laughed, revealing that even friends had been misled by AI-generated wedding photos circulating online. “Many people have been fooled by them while I was just out and about in real life,” she shared, underscoring the confusion sparked by the digital images.
