'Angry' Protesters Slam Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s ‘Tone-Deaf’ Met Gala Involvement

Over the years, the Met Gala has emerged as one of the most talked-about events that hosts some of the biggest names in fashion, entertainment and business.

The event is known to be celebration of bold outfits, luxury and glamour.

This year, however, activist groups are planning protests against the event, targeting co-chairs Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez.

Bezos, the founder of Amazon, and his wife, Sánchez, are the lead sponsors of Meta Gala 2026, and have been appointed honorary co-chairs of the event.

The demonstrators have expressed their displeasure with the involvement of Bezos and Sánchez, describing the event as a celebration of extreme wealth amid ongoing global conflicts and economic inequality.

With the Met Gala set for May 4, protest activity has been growing as activists target Bezos and Sánchez.

Certain groups have expressed concerns and disappointment over the association of the entrepreneurial couple with the event.

According to the Daily Mail, one protester said that the criticism stems from how "tone-deaf" the event feels at a time of serious global concerns.

The protesters stated that wealthy elites are hosting such a lavish celebration despite ongoing conflicts and human rights concerns around the world.

“As people are murdered in an unnecessary war in Iran or being kidnapped by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), an oligarch who makes all of this possible is hosting a party to launder his image,” the protestor said.

Meanwhile, posters and stickers critical of the event and its co-chairs have appeared across New York City.

The Daily Mail reported that a group called Everyone Hates Elon is leading the protest, urging people to boycott the Met Gala.

A protester named Jane told the media outlet, “We have had many volunteers get involved. Already people have been ordering stickers to spread across New York and even hacking subway ads. The movement is building because people are angry."

She further hinted at surprise actions during the event, aiming to target the high-profile guests.

In addition, Jane mentioned how Everyone Hates Elon has put up bright red posters across New York reading, "The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation."

Sánchez has addressed the criticism against Met Gala 2026 in recent interviews, describing her involvement as driven by a love of fashion and the arts.

Appearing on NBC's Today, she said she was honored when Vogue editor Anna Wintour invited her to co-chair the event.

“It has been such a fun and meaningful experience, and when Anna [Wintour] called me and said, 'Do you want to co-chair and also be the sponsors of the Met?' I was so honored. And then she told me the theme: fashion is art... These designers are true artists,” Sánchez said.

Moreover, Wintour also spoke about Sánchez's involvement with the event, telling CNN, "We are very grateful for her incredible generosity. She's a great lover of costume and obviously of fashion, so we're thrilled she's part of the night."