In a surprising move that has sparked widespread discussion, Rachel Zegler, the 24-year-old star of Disney’s live-action Snow White and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes, was notably absent from the 2025 Met Gala, despite being included on the rumored guest list. The event, held on May 5, 2025, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City, celebrated the theme “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style,” with stars like Sydney Sweeney, Pedro Pascal, and co-chairs Pharrell Williams, A$AP Rocky, Colman Domingo, and Lewis Hamilton in attendance. Zegler’s decision to skip the high-profile event comes on the heels of a tumultuous year marked by harsh criticism, particularly surrounding her role in Snow White, and her vocal political stances, raising questions about her public image and career trajectory.

A History of Met Gala Moments

Rachel Zegler first made waves at the Met Gala in 2021, debuting in a stunning gown that cemented her as a rising fashion icon. She returned in 2024, donning an ice-blue Michael Kors gown that drew praise for its elegance. However, rumors have swirled about her standing with the event’s organizer, Anna Wintour, after Zegler reportedly told The New York Times, “Anna Wintour is one of my heroes, but they say that I’m more influential.” This comment allegedly sparked tension, with some speculating it led to her exclusion from the 2025 invite list, though no official confirmation exists.

This year, Zegler’s absence was confirmed by sources close to the actress, who cited her preparation for a starring role as Eva Perón in Evita at the London Palladium, set to open on June 14, 2025, as the primary reason for skipping the gala. “Rachel just turned 24 and recently left New York City to focus on rehearsals,” a source told Elle. “It wasn’t feasible to fly back for the Met Gala.” While this explanation seems practical, the timing of her absence has fueled speculation, especially given the wave of criticism she has faced in recent months.

The Snow White Backlash

Zegler’s career has been a rollercoaster since her breakout role in Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story (2021), which earned her a Golden Globe. Her subsequent roles in Shazam! Fury of the Gods and The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes kept her in the spotlight, but it was her casting as Snow White in Disney’s live-action remake that thrust her into controversy. The film, released on March 21, 2025, grossed just over $200 million against a $240 million budget, marking it as one of Disney’s most expensive flops. Critics and audiences alike panned the movie, with an IMDb score of 1.6/10, and many pointed fingers at Zegler.

The backlash began during the film’s promotional phase when Zegler commented on the 1937 animated Snow White, calling out its “outdated” elements, such as the prince’s role and the character’s passivity. These remarks alienated some fans who felt she disrespected the classic. Additionally, Zegler’s political posts on X, including a statement in August 2024 saying “and always remember, free Palestine” and later comments criticizing then-President-elect Donald Trump and his supporters, drew ire from conservative circles. She issued an apology for the latter, but the damage was done, with some speculating that her outspokenness contributed to Snow White’s poor performance. Marc Platt’s son even accused her of “narcissism” in a now-deleted Instagram comment, claiming she dragged “personal politics” into the film’s promotion.

While it’s unfair to pin the film’s failure solely on Zegler, as The Mirror noted, the narrative of her as the scapegoat has persisted. “The film didn’t entice audiences, and terrible reviews didn’t help,” the outlet reported. “Blaming one actress for a multi-million-pound project’s shortcomings is misguided.” Yet, the online hate has taken a toll, with posts on X suggesting Zegler skipped the Met Gala out of embarrassment. One user, @Draculordx, posted on May 11, 2025: “Rachel Zegler no acude a la Gala Met: ¿demasiado avergonzada tras la reacción negativa del público?” (Translation: “Rachel Zegler skips the Met Gala: too embarrassed after the public’s negative reaction?”)

A Strategic Career Pivot

Despite the setbacks, Zegler is far from retreating. Just weeks after Snow White’s disappointing debut, she secured a lead role opposite Marisa Tomei in the indie comedy-drama She Gets It From Me, directed by Julia von Heinz. The film, based on a true story, follows Nicky (Zegler), whose engagement celebration spirals into a search for her “pill-popping, ex-punk rocker birth mother,” Charlotte (Tomei). Embankment Films is shopping the project at Cannes, signaling confidence in Zegler’s star power. “With the drama of Snow White behind her, Rachel has somehow found another acting gig in an industry that’s tried to shun her,” World of Reel commented, likening her trajectory to Melissa Barrera’s post-Scream career.

Zegler’s move to indie films and theater, including her upcoming Evita role, suggests a deliberate shift. “She’s transitioning into a phase where she can take on more nuanced, character-driven projects,” Variety noted. Her performance as Snow White, despite the film’s reception, was a highlight, with ScreenRant praising her for embodying a “sweet, curious, and caring” princess while adding new depth. Her vocal talent, honed in musicals like West Side Story and Spellbound, will likely shine in Evita, with director Jamie Lloyd predicting she’ll “blow the roof off the London Palladium.”

Navigating Public Perception

Zegler’s absence from the Met Gala also coincides with broader discussions about the event’s relevance and criticism. Melissa Rivers, in a Daily Mail interview, argued that the 2025 theme was “confusing” and that “fashion critics are needed” to hold stars accountable, indirectly fueling the narrative around Zegler’s no-show. Meanwhile, other celebrities, like Sabrina Carpenter, faced online criticism for their Met Gala looks but responded with humor, highlighting the intense scrutiny stars endure. Zegler, however, has chosen to step back from the spotlight, focusing on her craft rather than engaging with detractors.

Her decision to prioritize Evita over the Met Gala reflects a desire for balance, as she expressed in an Elle interview: “I want a family, but I also want to work until I die. I love telling stories.” This focus on long-term goals over fleeting red-carpet moments suggests Zegler is weathering the storm with resilience. Her absence wasn’t a snub but a calculated move to avoid further fueling the hate cycle while she rebuilds her narrative.

Looking Ahead

Rachel Zegler’s 2025 has been a year of highs and lows, from the Snow White debacle to new opportunities in film and theater. Skipping the Met Gala, whether due to scheduling or a desire to dodge scrutiny, underscores her current strategy: let the work speak. As she prepares for Evita and She Gets It From Me, Zegler is proving that talent and determination can outlast controversy. The Met Gala may have missed her this year, but the stage—and the screen—are where she’s set to shine.