Celebrities Hint At Boycott After Jeff Bezos Named Met Gala Chair

The announcement that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his fiancée, Lauren Sánchez, will chair the 2026 Met Gala has sparked immediate backlash across the internet and the entertainment world. Critics have pointed to the massive wealth disparity represented by the high-profile sponsorship, with many social media users calling for a boycott. The event, which serves as a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, is now being colloquially dubbed the "Bezos Ball," a title that carries heavy irony for those protesting Amazon's labor practices and tax history.

Several high-profile actors and musicians have already signaled their disapproval of the pairing. While some have made direct statements regarding corporate greed and the "tackiness" of billionaires hosting high-fashion events, others have taken a more subtle approach by liking critical posts or resharing infographics about wealth inequality. This brewing controversy places A-list attendees in a difficult position: risk the PR fallout of attending an event chaired by one of the world's most polarizing figures, or skip the biggest night in fashion in solidarity with the burgeoning boycott.

The backlash highlights a growing tension between the Met Gala’s tradition of exclusivity and a modern cultural climate that is increasingly critical of extreme wealth. As the 2026 gala approaches, the focus will likely shift from the "Gilded Age" or "Garden of Time" themes of the past to a more pointed conversation about the role of big tech in cultural institutions. Observers are waiting to see if any major stars will officially pull out of the guest list to avoid being associated with the Amazon brand.

This summary is based on reporting by BuzzFeed.