The 2026 Met Gala has ignited widespread backlash, with critics labeling it as 'tone deaf' and 'creepy' following the prominent involvement of billionaire Jeff Bezos. The event, held on Sunday in New York City, was met with fury from both celebrities and the public, who accused the A-list charity gathering of embracing extreme wealth inequality.
Celebrity Outcry
Actress Taraji P. Henson took to social media to express her dismay, writing: 'WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!' She also shared a post criticizing attendees for wearing ICE Out pins, given Bezos's alleged role in current political and economic issues. Former TV host Meghan McCain described the gala as 'creepy,' while 'Fast and the Furious' star Nathalie Kelly called it 'dystopian' and 'elitist.' Several high-profile figures, including Meryl Streep, Zendaya, and Bella Hadid, chose to skip the event.
Tone-Deaf Fashion Statements
Actress Sarah Paulson sparked controversy by wearing a one-dollar bill as a mask, titling her look 'the one percent.' Critics on social media called it hypocritical, with one user noting: 'Bold choice to wear this to a gala chaired by one of the richest men on earth.' Katy Perry, making her Met Gala comeback after three years, wore a robot-esque mask and remained incognito, prompting questions about AI and her connection to Bezos's space ventures. Blake Lively also faced backlash for adorning her handbag with her children's artwork, which many deemed tone-deaf given the ongoing legal battle with Justin Baldoni.
Bezos's Role and Protests
Jeff Bezos, alongside his wife Lauren Sanchez, served as an honorary chair, with his involvement reportedly including major funding and a prominent position. Activist groups like 'Everyone Hates Elon' staged protests across New York, mocking the event as the 'Amazon Prime Gala' and 'Bezos Ball.' Newly elected Mayor Zohran Mamdani also declined to attend, citing a focus on affordability over high-profile fundraisers.
Theme and Reactions
This year's theme was 'Costume Art,' with a dress code of 'Fashion Is Art.' Despite the artistic intentions, many felt the event highlighted the disconnect between the ultra-wealthy and everyday Americans. Taraji P. Henson shared a photo contrasting Bezos's $500 million superyacht with Amazon warehouse workers, captioned: 'Enjoy the MET ?' The backlash underscores growing public frustration with wealth inequality and celebrity culture.
