Bella Hadid Backs Met Gala Boycott Over Jeff Bezos Sponsorship

Bella Hadid Joins Critics in Slamming ‘Bezos-Backed’ Met Gala

The 2026 Met Gala is facing an unprecedented wave of backlash, and supermodel Bella Hadid has now signaled her support for the critics. Just hours before fashion's biggest night in New York, Hadid drew attention by "liking" a viral video that urged celebrities to boycott the event due to its lead sponsor: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

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This year’s gala, held on May 4, has traded its usual focus on couture for a heated political debate. With Bezos and Lauren Sánchez serving as honorary chairs, activists are calling out the event for its ties to billionaire influence and controversial labor practices.

 

 

 

 

 

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Protest Posters Take Over New York

The streets of Manhattan are currently covered in posters from the activist group "Everyone Hates Elon." The campaign, which raised over $13,000 to "embarrass" Bezos, features provocative imagery like urine-filled water bottles on a red carpet—a direct reference to reports of harsh conditions for Amazon delivery drivers.

One widely seen poster reads: "The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation." Critics are also pointing to Amazon’s technological links to immigration enforcement (ICE), creating a massive divide between the high-fashion attendees and the protesters outside.

Celebrities Staying Away?

While the red carpet usually features the world's elite, several stars are reportedly skipping this year's fundraiser. While Beyoncé and Venus Williams remain as co-chairs, big names like Zendaya, Meryl Streep, and Priyanka Chopra are expected to be absent.

Journalist Amy Odell noted that the Met Gala has shifted from a fashion networking night into a "clout store" for the world's richest individuals. With table prices soaring and corporate sponsorship at an all-time high, many feel the event has lost its artistic soul to big-tech interests.

Fashion Meets Politics

The video liked by Hadid specifically warned celebrities against wearing "activist pins" while attending an event funded by Bezos, calling the move hypocritical. As the 2026 Met Gala unfolds, the conversation has moved far beyond "who is wearing what" to "who is paying for it."