The annual Met Gala, often dubbed the 'Fashion Oscars,' took place on Monday night, but this year's event was marred by significant controversy. While celebrities like Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, and Beyoncé graced the red carpet, numerous high-profile figures chose to skip the fundraiser, sparking widespread discussion about the event's direction.
Controversial Co-Hosts Spark Protests
The backlash centered on the involvement of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez-Bezos, who reportedly paid $10 million to sponsor and co-host the gala. The decision drew criticism from activists and attendees alike. An anonymous organizer told The Independent that Bezos was using the event to 'launder his image,' adding, 'He's sipping champagne, while his actions are affecting people all over the world. He's buying favour, quite literally.'
Protests erupted ahead of the gala, with posters appearing across New York bearing messages such as 'Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by the firm that powers ICE' and 'Boycott the Bezos Met Gala.' Amazon workers staged a 'Ball without Billionaires' on Monday afternoon, while activists placed nearly 300 miniature bottles of fake urine inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, referencing claims that Amazon employees are denied bathroom breaks.
Stars Who Snubbed the Event
Despite appearances by the Kardashian-Jenner clan and Beyoncé's daughter Blue Ivy making her debut, the absence of several A-listers dominated headlines. Zendaya, Meryl Streep, and Timothée Chalamet were among those who skipped the gala. While some cited scheduling conflicts—Zendaya's team mentioned her back-to-back press tours for The Drama and Euphoria season three—others were more vocal.
Comedian and podcaster Meredith Lynch posted a video on Instagram over the weekend, criticizing celebrities who planned to wear 'ICE out' badges to the event. She stated, 'Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we're in this f***ing mess. It is wild to me that this event is sponsored by Jeff Bezos, who has backed Trump, who has slashed arts funding.' Her comments resonated with actress Taraji P. Henson, who commented, 'I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!'
Theme and Dress Code for 2026
This year's theme was 'Costume Art,' with the dress code 'Fashion Is Art.' The event, overseen by former Vogue editor Anna Wintour, now global chief content officer for Condé Nast, raised millions for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. However, the controversy surrounding the co-hosts cast a shadow over the evening's festivities.
