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Bezos' Met Gala Spark Controversy
2 May
Summary
- Mayor Mamdani will skip the gala due to focus on affordability.
- Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are main benefactors and honorary chairs.
- Protests planned against the gala citing worker exploitation by Amazon.
The 2026 Met Gala, scheduled for Monday, May 4, is embroiled in controversy surrounding its major benefactors, Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. This has led to significant public outcry and calls for a boycott. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced he would not attend, citing his focus on the city's affordability.
Protests are being organized by groups like Everyone Hates Elon, with posters in New York City decrying the event as being "Brought to you by worker exploitation," referencing labor violation allegations against Amazon. On the morning of the gala, a "Ball Without Billionaires" fashion show is planned in downtown New York, featuring workers from Amazon and other Bezos-linked companies.
Despite the backlash, the Met Gala remains a crucial fundraiser for the Met's Costume Institute, raising $31 million last year. Museum director Max Hollein emphasized that donor support, including from the Bezoses, is vital for preserving the institute's extensive collection of over 33,000 objects and funding its operations.
While the Bezoses' involvement has drawn criticism, Hollein clarified that their support is for the museum's program and curatorial initiatives, not a reflection of Amazon's business practices. He stressed the importance of such donations for institutions like the Met to continue their cultural mission.
