This year's Met Gala was overshadowed by controversy as several high-profile celebrities skipped the event in protest of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez-Bezos co-chairing the evening. The couple reportedly paid $10 million to sponsor the fundraiser, which raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.
An anonymous organiser 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 took place near the venue, with posters reading “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' in New York on Monday afternoon, while activist group placed nearly 300 miniature bottles of fake urine throughout the Met museum, referencing claims that Amazon employees do not get bathroom breaks.
Despite the controversy, the event went ahead with theme “Costume Art” and dress code “Fashion Is Art”. Stars including Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber and Beyoncé attended, but notable absentees included Zendaya, Meryl Streep and Timothée Chalamet. Some celebrities voiced their reasons for skipping; comedian Meredith Lynch criticised those planning to wear “ICE out” badges, saying: “Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we’re in this f***ing mess.”
Actress Taraji P. Henson supported Lynch's comments, writing: “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”
