Sarah Paulson's Met Gala outfit has been widely interpreted as a pointed critique of Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez, following her revelation of the 'secret meaning' behind her ensemble. The 51-year-old actress donned a billowing gray tulle gown from indie label Matieres Fecales, accessorised with a mask made from one-dollar bills.
On the red carpet, Paulson disclosed that her look was titled 'the one percent,' an apparent jab at America's ultra-wealthy elite. This year's fundraising gala has been overshadowed by controversy due to the involvement of billionaire couple Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez as co-chairs.
Some observers believe the outfit directly criticises the billionaire and his wife, whose participation reportedly led celebrities like Zendaya and Meryl Streep to withdraw from the event. A TikTok commentator remarked: 'I can't help but think this outfit is not a coincidence. Fashion and politics are intertwined. She just sent the biggest 'f you' to every billionaire out there.'
The gown comes from a collection designed to critique the wealthy. The two designers, Hannah and Steve, aimed to analyse the relationship between money and humanity, highlighting how true power breeds corruption. Social media users largely agreed, with many defending Paulson against accusations of being 'tone deaf.' Comments included: 'People say it's tone deaf, but are you not paying attention?' and 'She's the only one that hit the nail on the head.'
However, some critics pointed out the hypocrisy of making such a statement at an event accessible only to the rich. This year, attendance cost a staggering $100,000 per person. Paulson's reported net worth of $12 million further fuelled criticism. One X user wrote: 'Great, another millionaire telling us we are blinded by wealth while also being wealthy.' Another added: 'Bold choice to wear this to a gala chaired by one of the richest men on earth.'
Additionally, several fans accused Paulson of ignoring the 2026 Met Gala theme, 'Fashion Is Art,' which encouraged designers to use the human body as a blank canvas. One X user quipped: 'Sarah Paulson said 'Met Gala theme?' and then confidently ignored it like optional homework.'
Nevertheless, many supporters applauded her for 'leaning into the concept,' insisting her outfit was 'very Met Gala.' The controversy surrounding Bezos stems from Amazon Web Services' contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and its expanded mass deportation initiatives. The 'Everyone Hates Elon' campaign projected messages at Bezos's home, including a video of an Amazon worker named Mary Hill, 72, who criticised worker exploitation.
Mary said: 'Jeff Bezos, my name is Mary Hill, I am a 72-year-old warehouse worker. When we struggle from pay cheque to pay cheque, it angers me because without every associate, you wouldn't have all those zeros behind your name. Shame on you. The people who need celebrating are the workers.'
An industry insider told Daily Mail prior to the event: 'It's hurtful and disturbing for the Bezoses to be the face of this year's Met Gala.' The Metropolitan Museum of Art Costume Institute Benefit, held on the first Monday in May, featured co-chairs Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams alongside Anna Wintour. The 2026 exhibition, 'Costume Art,' runs from May 10, 2026, to January 10, 2027.
