Trending Now: Bridesmaids star Wendi McLendon-Covey shares brutally honest reason she skipped the Oscars – Fans React

Actress Wendi McLendon-Covey has candidly opened up about why she skipped Sunday’s Bridesmaids live reunion during the 98th Academy Awards, with last night (15 March) marking 15 years since the film’s release.

McLendon-Covey starred as Rita in the 2011 comedy alongside a star-studded cast featuring Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Melissa McCarthy, Maya Rudolph and Ellie Kemper.

Last night’s reunion segment brought together some of the actresses from the blockbuster smash-hit; however MccLendon-Covey was notably absent, leaving some fans to speculate over an alleged feud between the co-stars.

However, it’s clear all the speculation was put to rest very soon with McLendon-Covey explaining that the reason behind her absence was due to her recovering from a recent cosmetic procedure.

She took to Instagram on Sunday night to reveal: “In response to some of the DMs I’m getting: I had a neck lift last week because I’m tired of looking like a melting candle.

“So I had to skip the Academy Awards. No drama. Everything is fine.”

The caption was accompanied by a photo of McLendon-Covey lying in bed with bandages wrapped around her head and under her chin.

“We are so happy to all be here together tonight,” Wiig gushed while she was joined by her four co-stars on stage, adding: “I cannot believe that it’s been 15 years. Now we are not good with numbers, but we figured out backstage that means we shot this movie in 1883.”

The cast who were in attendance presented the Oscar for Best Score, which was awarded to Ludwig Göranssonfor Sinners, as well as the award for Achievement in Sound, which went to #F1.

They then shared ‘letters’ from actors in the crowd with Sentimental Value actor, Stellan Skarsgård, being the butt of several quips.

Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph, and Ellie Kemper spoke on stage during the 2026 Oscars Bridesmaids reunion (Kevin Winter / Staff / Getty Images)

Rudolph opened up her ‘letter’ first, reading: “Oh, this is strange. Well, mine says, ‘First of all, you ladies look extremely beautiful tonight.’ Thank you. ‘You’re ageing well.’ Signed, Stellan Skarsgård.”

McCarthy was up next, sharing what was written in her ‘letter’: “Hi, I’m with Stellan Skarsgård, writing my own separate note. I also agree you ladies look radiant. All the things you’ve done to your faces are very tasteful. Yours truly, Elle Fanning.’

“Wait, wait, there’s more. It says, ‘Just kidding. It’s me again, Stellan Skarsgård.'”

Skarsgård was nominated in the Best Supporting Actor category for his role in Joachim Trier’s Norwegian-language drama, but missed out on the accolade to Sean Penn for his role in One Battle After Another, which also won Best Picture.

Other stars in the category included Benicio del Toro (One Battle After Another), Jacob Elordi (Frankenstein) and Delroy Lindo (Sinners).