The entire cast of Bridesmaids attended the 98th annual Academy Awards on Sunday, March 15—that is, all except for one cast member. Fans on social media were quick to point out that Bridesmaids actress Wendi McLendon-Covey was noticeably absent from the reunion, where the rest of the core cast—including Melissa McCarthy, Rose Byrne, Kristen Wiig, Maya Rudolph and Ellie Kemper—appeared on stage to present the Oscar for Best Original Score.
Though some wondered if a feud was the reason McLendon-Covey wasn’t present, she quickly took to Instagram to shut down rumors of drama. Posting a selfie wearing a post-surgical neck wrap bandage, the actress revealed the reason for her absence was actually due to a recent neck lift. “I had a necklift last week because I’m tired of looking like a melting candle,” she wrote in the caption.
A necklift is a cosmetic surgical procedure performed by a plastic surgeon to tighten neck muscles, remove excess skin or fat and refine the jawline for a more youthful appearance. It’s often performed alongside a facelift and may include liposuction, depending on the patient’s goals. McLendon-Covey didn’t share additional details about her procedure. Initial downtime typically lasts about one to two weeks, likely explaining why she wasn’t ready to attend the Oscars.
So, no drama—just recovery. We’ll be watching for her results once she’s fully healed.
