The Academy Museum Gala took place on October 19, 2024, serving as an annual fundraiser for the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures. This event funds its exhibits, education, and public programming. Think of it as the Oscars’ slightly less glamorous cousin—everyone remembers to invite it to Thanksgiving dinner, but it tends to fly under the radar.
This year, Meghan Markle was notably absent from the guest list, leaving her on the outside looking in. Her low-neckline, high-slit gown seemed more suited for a Victorian tea party than for such a high-profile event. But why was she not invited? The host committee, led by the infamous Anna Wintour—who has welcomed a Kardashian into the Met Gala while blocking Meghan at the door—didn’t seem to play a role this time. Instead, the committee comprises about 100 individuals and companies, raising the curious question: did Meghan's invite get lost in the shuffle?
Among the notable names on the host committee are Gabrielle Union, Ted Sarandos from Netflix, and Brian Robbins of Paramount. Rumors have been swirling that Meghan may no longer even be represented by WME. Robbins, who has previously rubbed elbows with Meghan and invited her to a premiere in Jamaica, would seemingly have little trouble extending an invite for a local gala. Yet, here we are—no Meghan in sight.
There are also other intriguing connections to consider. Apple Original Films produced "Harry: The Me You Can't See," and Louis Vuitton crafted the gown Meghan wore at the Ripple of Hope Awards. Surely, if there was PR gold to be mined, they would have jumped at the opportunity. And let’s not forget JP Morgan Chase, the Disney Company, and even Orlando Bloom, who is supposedly a good friend. But where are the pictures? Oh, right—no photos, no friendship.
With at least four possible avenues for an invite, Meghan’s absence certainly raises eyebrows. Hollywood has long kept the Sussexes at arm's length, but does this extend to their so-called friends? It seems so. Watching Meghan Markle get publicly snubbed by a gathering of industry elites resembles a train wreck unfolding in slow motion. Hollywood's sentiments toward the couple are becoming increasingly transparent.
Let’s not even get started on that 40x40 initiative. What was she thinking when she advised women returning to work to seek mentors in unrelated fields? Honestly, Meghan could have made a real impact by simply encouraging women to donate 40 minutes of their time to community service or practical support. But it seems her generosity is limited to ideas rather than action, likely because putting money where her mouth is simply isn’t in her playbook.
In truth, inviting Meghan Markle to an event feels akin to tossing a grenade into a party; there’s bound to be some kind of explosion, and you never know where the debris will land. With a reputation as a bully and a grifter, it’s no wonder attendees might prefer to keep their distance. The A-list crowd likely wants to avoid having their names dropped in a future tell-all or dodging an awkward bear hug from someone they barely know.
And let’s not forget the little detail that Meghan might not even be able to cough up the hefty donation expected from attendees.
