Bella Hadid and Taraji P. Henson Skip Met Gala Amid Bezos Backlash

Fashion’s Biggest Night Faces Major Boycott as Stars Snub Met Gala

The 2026 Met Gala is seeing an unexpected wave of pushback from some of its most famous regulars. Supermodel Bella Hadid and actress Taraji P. Henson have sparked a firestorm online after supporting a viral video that criticizes the event's ties to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

The controversy began when content creator Meredith Lynch posted a video highlighting Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, as honorary chairs and lead sponsors for this year's "Costume Art" exhibition. Lynch’s critique centered on Amazon's business ties with government agencies like ICE, arguing that stars cannot claim to be activists while attending a "Bezos-backed" event.

Public Support for the Boycott

The video quickly gained traction when fans noticed Bella Hadid had "liked" the post. Hadid, known for her vocal political activism, has been a staple on the Met steps for years, but her endorsement of the video suggests she is sitting this one out in protest.

Taraji P. Henson went a step further, leaving a pointed comment on the post: "I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!" Her reaction all but confirms her absence from the red carpet tonight, May 4.

A Growing List of Absentees

Hadid and Henson aren't the only ones missing from the prestigious guest list. Several reports indicate a growing list of A-listers skipping the 2026 ceremony, including:

Zendaya: Reportedly focusing on her filming schedule.

Meryl Streep: Rumored to have declined a co-host role.

Lady Gaga: Currently unconfirmed, adding to the speculation of a wider industry boycott.

While co-chairs Beyoncé and Nicole Kidman are still expected to lead the night, the 2026 Met Gala is quickly becoming defined more by who isn't there than who is. As the red carpet kicks off in New York, the conversation has shifted from "Who are you wearing?" to "Why are you there?"