Met Gala 2026: Why Jeff Bezos’ Sponsorship Is Inviting Boycott Calls?

The Met Gala has always been a stellar stage to showcase fashion, celebrity, and the art of extravaganza. Every year, the gala continues to serve as the main fundraising event for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute but this year, it has landed in hot soup!

The conversation has shifted dramatically from couture to controversy as this year’s edition is sponsored by American businessman Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos. The power couple’s association with the billionaire couple has sparked protests, boycott calls, and visible discomfort.

Why Jeff Bezos’ Role Sparked Criticism

While corporate sponsorships have long supported the Met Gala, placing individual billionaires at the forefront as lead sponsors marks a notable shift. Bezos and Sánchez Bezos were announced in February not only as primary backers but also as honorary chairs and patrons of the upcoming exhibition, Costume Art, opening May 10.

Critics see the sponsorship as a deeper alignment between cultural institutions and concentrated wealth. The situation is further complicated by Bezos’ evolving relationship with Donald Trump, which has moved toward a more practical alignment following Trump’s re-election.

Why are people calling for a boycott of the Met Gala 2026?

Across New York City, protest posters have surfaced in subways and public spaces. One reads, “The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation,” referencing criticism of Amazon’s labour practices. Another labels the event “brought to you by the firm that powers ICE,” referring to reports of Amazon’s links to US immigration enforcement technologies.

These campaigns have been linked to an activist group called Everyone Hates Elon, which has previously used public messaging to challenge billionaire influence. Online, too, the tone has shifted. Internet users are calling out the Met Gala 2026 for focusing less on noteworthy fashion and more on “thoughtless billionaires buying their way in and destroying something,” as one user puts.

Another writes, “Who cares about the Met gala anymore? Promoting billionaires and tech giants should not be the mission of The Met it’s a shame it’s no longer focused on creatives and true fashion pioneers.”  One user mentions to boycott Amazon, writing, “Boycott Amazon for a start people ….. we MADE them …. Now it’s time to repent !!!! Buy locally” Many say that it’d be worth watching to see which celebrities attend, “that will speak volumes of their views and their character!”

Are celebrities not coming to the Met Gala 2026 due to Jeff Bezos?

The backlash appears to be influencing attendance at the Met Gala 2026. Zendaya, a regular Met Gala highlight, is skipping this year’s event. While her absence is attributed to a demanding work schedule, including projects like Euphoria and upcoming films, The Odyssey and Spider-Man: Brand New Day, it has still fueled speculation about broader discomfort. Reports also suggested that Meryl Streep declined a co-chair role due to the sponsors.

New York City mayor Zohran Mamdani has also opted out of attending. Explaining his decision, he stated, “My focus is also on affordability and making the most expensive city in the United States affordable, and that’s what I’m looking to spend a lot of my time focused on.”

Labour groups and advocacy organisations are planning a counter-event titled “Ball Without Billionaires,” set to take place the same day. Featuring workers from companies linked to Bezos, including Amazon and Whole Foods, the event aims to spotlight labour issues while presenting an alternative vision of fashion rooted in ethical production.

Even amid criticism, the event retains strong institutional backing. Co-chairs this year include Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, alongside Anna Wintour, who continues to steer the gala.