The ‘Snow White’ star was invited to fashion’s biggest night alongside a star-studded lineup, but skipped out due to ‘Evita’ rehearsals amid ongoing backlash and online silence.
April 6, 2025: Rachel Zegler has received an invite to the 2025 Met Gala — one of the most exclusive events in fashion — despite ongoing backlash surrounding her role in Disney’s ill-fated Snow White remake.
The 23-year-old actress, who previously attended the gala in 2021 and 2024, won’t be gracing this year’s red carpet. A rep tells Page Six, “Rachel will be in rehearsals for Evita in London in May.” The musical opens in the West End on June 14.
Zegler has been keeping a low profile since her controversial remarks — including calling Snow White’s Prince character a “stalker,” tweeting “Free Palestine” in response to a Disney promo, and a politically charged post targeting Donald Trump and his supporters after his 2024 re-election.
Also Read: Rachel Zegler’s Political Comments Blamed for ‘Snow White’ Flop by Producer’s Son
Her online comments stirred major backlash and reportedly led to increased security for co-star Gal Gadot, as well as strained internal discussions at Disney. One film insider bluntly told Page Six, “Disney’s lead actress is out of control.” The film ended up flopping at the box office, losing a reported $115 million.
Also Read: Met Gala 2025 Theme Announced: “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style”
Despite the fallout, Zegler was still invited to fashion’s biggest night — though she’ll miss it.
The 2025 Met Gala, scheduled for May 5, is themed “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” with a dress code of “Tailored for You.” The event will be co-chaired by Colman Domingo, Lewis Hamilton, Pharrell Williams, and A$AP Rocky, with LeBron James serving as honorary chair.
The star-studded guest list includes Lizzo, Mary J. Blige, Shakira, Doechii, Ashley Graham, Amelia Gray, and rising basketball star Paige Bueckers. The gala will benefit the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute.
Also skipping this year’s event are Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, who are currently embroiled in a legal dispute with actor-director Justin Baldoni over their film It Ends With Us. Sources say their decision to skip the Gala predates the lawsuit.
Supermodel Gisele Bündchen will also be absent. The 44-year-old recently welcomed her third child — her first with boyfriend Joaquim Valente — and reportedly declined this year’s invitation.
As for Zegler, she remains largely silent on social media, offering no public comment since the Snow White fallout. While her fashion choices have turned heads at past Met Galas — wearing Dior in 2021 and Michael Kors in 2024 — it appears this year she’ll be sitting it out, rehearsing far from the flashbulbs and fanfare of Fifth Avenue.
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Rachel Zegler, Met Gala 2025, Evita London, Anna Wintour, Snow White controversy, celebrity controversy, Met Gala guest list, Blake Lively, Ryan Reynolds, Paige Bueckers, Mary J. Blige, Doechii, Lizzo, LeBron James, fashion news, Disney controversy, Michael Kors, Dior