The Met Gala has returned for 2026, but this year's event is not without its share of controversy. The annual fashion extravaganza, typically attended by the biggest names in entertainment, has seen several high-profile celebrities decline invitations due to the involvement of Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez. For the first time, instead of a corporate sponsor, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have reportedly contributed $10 million (£7.37 million) to the event, earning them the title of honorary co-chairs alongside Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour.
Protests and Boycotts
Posters have been plastered across New York City urging the public to boycott the Met Gala. One poster reads: "Boycott the Bezos Met Ball: Brought to you by worker exploitation." Others highlight Amazon's connections with ICE, with one stating: "There's no dressing it up. Met Gala chair Jeff Bezos avoids tax, enables ICE, and backs Trump. Don't let him get away with it." Bezos's company holds contracts with ICE, and Amazon Web Services reportedly hosts data for Palantir, a firm that provides software to help ICE track and identify immigrants.
Theme and Dress Code
This year's dress code is strictly "Fashion Is Art." Guests are invited to "explore their relationship to fashion as an embodied art form and celebrate depictions of the dressed body throughout art history." The theme aligns with the upcoming exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
How to Watch the Met Gala
The event enforces a strict phone ban inside the venue, maintaining exclusivity. However, the red carpet can be viewed online via the Vogue livestream. Ashley Graham, La La Anthony, and Cara Delevingne will host the livestream starting at 6 p.m., with Emma Chamberlain interviewing guests throughout the night.
For more showbiz news and gossip, follow Mirror Celebs on social media platforms.
