To boycott the event means to refuse to participate or attend it as a form of protest or disagreement with something connected to the event. Full definition
Speaking on NEAT FM's morning show dubbed «Ghana Montie», Kofi Adams sustained that the NDC has no regret for boycotting the event — «But we will consider their next programme provided it's not on voters register.» (ghanapoliticsonline.com)
The Iranian director Asghar Farhadi, who boycotted the event in protest at Trump's travel bans, won best foreign language film for The Salesman in what was widely seen as a rebuke to the White House. (theguardian.com)