Celebrities skip Met Gala amid backlash over Jeff Bezos sponsorship and growing protest calls
The Met Gala, long regarded as the pinnacle of fashion and celebrity culture, is facing mounting controversy as several high-profile figures opt to stay away following its new association with Jeff Bezos.
The backlash comes after Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, reportedly contributed an eight-figure sum to sponsor and co-host the event, securing positions as honorary co-chairs.
In response, calls for a boycott have intensified, with posters appearing across New York urging celebrities to reject the event. The campaign highlights criticism of Amazon’s labour practices and alleged political alignments, fuelling wider unease among some attendees.
Among the most notable absentees is Meryl Streep, whose decision has drawn particular attention. Her absence coincides with the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2, a film in which she reprises a role inspired by fashion industry leadership closely linked to the gala.
Although reports suggested she may have been invited to co-chair the event, Streep declined. A representative stated that, despite her appreciation for the gala’s organisers, attending “has never quite been her scene.”
Zendaya is also expected to miss the event after attending for seven consecutive years. Her absence is attributed to a demanding promotional schedule, rather than direct involvement in the controversy.
Speculation continues around other potential no-shows, including Lady Gaga, whose attendance has yet to be confirmed.
The situation has sparked debate over the evolving nature of the Met Gala, with critics arguing that financial influence is increasingly shaping what was once seen primarily as a celebration of fashion and artistry.
Event organiser Anna Wintour has attempted to calm the controversy, praising Sanchez Bezos’s involvement and emphasising her enthusiasm for fashion.
Meanwhile, political figures have also distanced themselves from the event. New York mayor Zohran Mamdani confirmed he would not attend, avoiding potential backlash.
The protest movement has taken a more provocative turn in some instances, with symbolic demonstrations reportedly staged near the Metropolitan Museum, drawing further attention to the issue.
Despite the controversy, the gala continues to attract major names. This year’s event is co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams, with a host of celebrities still expected to attend.
As the event approaches, the divide between those choosing to participate and those stepping back underscores a broader tension within the entertainment and fashion industries. Questions over influence, ethics, and the role of corporate sponsorship continue to shape the narrative surrounding one of the world’s most high-profile cultural gatherings.