Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez turn up the heat before the Met Gala 2026and it starts before the red carpet is even rolled out. The power couple is reportedly taking their Met Gala involvement to the next level by hosting a private, invitation-only pre-party in the days leading up to fashion’s biggest night.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s secret Met Gala pre-party fuels buzz
Invitations have already been sent out for the ultra-exclusive event, although key details, including the guest list and venue, are being kept under wraps. This secrecy only adds to the intrigue, with insiders already talking about what could become one of the most talked about gatherings of the weekend.
Bezos and Sánchez aren’t just throwing parties, but they’re playing a major role in the 2026 event itself. The duo acts as title sponsor and honorary co-chair, placing them at the center of both the glamor and the growing controversy surrounding this year’s Met Gala. Much of the criticism revolves around the couple’s role, with some questioning the influence they may have on one of fashion’s most influential fundraisers.
Bezos’ Met Gala links spark backlash as protest posters decry Amazon’s alleged practices
Amazon’s broader political and commercial ties, including reported links to Donald Trumpa point that has sparked debate in the fashion world and beyond.
In the weeks leading up to the event, protest posters appeared across New York calling for a boycott of the gala. The post references allegations about working conditions at Amazon’s fulfillment centers and allegations about the company’s dealings with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allegations that Amazon has denied.
“The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation,” one poster read, while another claimed the 2026 event was “brought to you by the company that powers ICE.”
NYC Mayor Skips 2026 Met Gala Amid Jeff Bezos Backlash, Cites Focus on Affordability
The controversy surrounding Bezos and Sánchez’s participation in the 2026 Met Gala is even spilling over into local politics. Zohran Mamdani revealed that he plans to skip this year’s event altogether, citing his desire to focus on more pressing issues affecting New Yorkers. “That’s what I’m looking to spend a lot of my time on,” he said, referring to affordability issues in the city.
According to reports, Mamdani stressed that her priority remained tackling the rising cost of living, rather than attending one of fashion’s most exclusive parties.
Zendaya will skip the 2026 Met Gala
Zendaya is reportedly missing from the 2026 Met Gala, marking a notable absence from one of fashion’s most high-profile evenings. The decision is reportedly linked to his busy schedule and his desire to take a step back from constant public appearances during a particularly busy period in his career.
The Met Gala, hosted annually by the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, has long been a major moment on the global fashion calendar, which makes its absence all the more notable. However, his decision did not stop the speculation. Some online discussions have suggested that his absence may be linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeff Bezos’ involvement in this year’s event, although there is no confirmation of this connection.
Meryl Streep also reportedly skipped the 2026 Met Gala
Meryl Streep is another major name rumored to not attend the 2026 Met Gala, although her absence may not be a surprise. A representative of the “Mamma Mia! The star said: “Meryl has been invited to the Met Gala for many years but has never attended. Although she appreciates Vogue, Anna, and her incredible imagination and stamina, it has never really been her stage.”
The statement comes amid speculation that Streep was asked to take on a larger role this year, with reports suggesting she was asked to co-chair the event but declined. Some have linked the move to the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeff Bezos’ involvement, although this has not been confirmed.
The 2026 Met Gala will take place on Monday, May 4, 2026 at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
