This year's Met Gala was overshadowed by controversy as numerous A-listers skipped the event amid criticism of its co-chairs, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez-Bezos. The couple reportedly paid $10 million to sponsor and co-host the prestigious fundraiser, which raises millions for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute.
One 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.' The involvement of Bezos, who supported Donald Trump in his second presidential campaign, sparked protests ahead of the gala, with posters reading 'Boycott the Bezos Met Gala' appearing near the venue.
Amazon workers staged their own 'Ball without Billionaires' in New York on Monday afternoon, while activist groups placed nearly 300 miniature bottles of fake urine throughout the Met museum, referencing claims that Amazon employees are denied bathroom breaks. Despite the backlash, the event proceeded with the theme 'Costume Art' and dress code 'Fashion Is Art'.
While Kim Kardashian, Hailey Bieber, Beyoncé, and Blue Ivy Carter attended, notable absentees included Zendaya, Meryl Streep, and Timothée Chalamet. Some stars were vocal about their decision: comedian Meredith Lynch posted a video criticising those attending, saying 'Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we're in this f***ing mess.' Actor Taraji P. Henson commented on the video: 'I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!'
