Stars Slam Met Gala Celebs for Attending Bezos-Sponsored Event

The 2026 Met Gala, fashion’s most anticipated night, is usually a spectacle of style and celebrity. However, this year, the event sparked controversy not just for its fashion, but for its sponsor: billionaire entrepreneur Jeff Bezos. This decision didn’t sit well with everyone, and prominent actresses Jenifer Lewis and Taraji P. Henson have been vocal in their criticism of fellow celebrities who chose to attend.

The Controversy Surrounding the Sponsorship

The Met Gala’s decision to have Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, as honorary co-chairs, with Amazon reportedly contributing a hefty $10 million, raised eyebrows. This sponsorship came at a time when reports of low wages, high injury rates, and poor working conditions at Amazon warehouses were prevalent. Furthermore, Bezos’s recent massive layoffs at his warehouses and The Washington Post added fuel to the fire.

This context led many, including Taraji P. Henson, to question the choices of celebrities attending the event. Henson co-signed a social media post by Meredith Lynch, which warned attendees and highlighted concerns about Bezos’s influence and past actions, including alleged cuts to arts funding. Henson expressed her confusion and dismay, asking, ‘I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”

Jenifer Lewis Joins the Chorus of Criticism

Following Henson’s lead, Jenifer Lewis also took to Instagram to voice her strong disapproval. In a video captioned ‘How much MORE FAME do we need ???’, Lewis didn’t hold back. She pointed out the stark contrast between the gala’s glitz and the alleged actions of the sponsor, including job cuts and funding reductions.

Lewis specifically mentioned the reported 30,000 job cuts and the impact on The Washington Post, questioning the attendees’ priorities. She highlighted the irony of celebrities posturing for fame while such issues were ongoing, asking if they were ‘vying for the next position’ despite the circumstances. Her hashtags, including #shame and #vote.gov, underscored her message.

Despite Criticism, the Stars Arrived

Despite the vocal opposition from Lewis, Henson, and others, the allure of the Met Gala proved too strong for many. A significant number of public figures still graced the red carpet, showcasing the latest in high fashion. Attendees included a star-studded list such as Kim Kardashian, Doja Cat, SZA, Cher, Bad Bunny, Rihanna, and many more.

The event also saw its co-chairs, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams, alongside their partners, and Beyoncé, who arrived with JAY-Z and Blue Ivy, making a grand entrance. This continued participation, even in the face of criticism, highlights the complex relationship between celebrity, fashion, and social responsibility.