Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are turning up the heat ahead of the Met Gala 2026, and it’s starting before the red carpet even rolls out. The power couple is reportedly taking their Met Gala involvement to the next level by hosting a private, invite-only pre-party in the days leading up to fashion’s biggest night.
According to reports, invitations have already been sent out for the ultra-exclusive event, though key details, including the guest list and location, are being kept tightly under wraps. That secrecy is only adding to the intrigue, with insiders already buzzing 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 is serving as lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs, placing them at the center of both the glamour and the growing controversy surrounding this year’s Met Gala. Much of the criticism centers around the couple’s roles, with some questioning how much influence they may have over one of fashion’s most influential fundraisers.
Bezos’ Met Gala Ties Spark Backlash As Protest Posters Call Out Amazon’s Alleged Practices
Adding to the tension are Amazon’s broader political and business ties, including reported connections to Donald Trump’s administration, a point that has sparked debate within both the fashion world and beyond.
In the weeks leading up to the event, protest posters have appeared across New York City calling for a boycott of the gala. The messaging references allegations about working conditions in Amazon fulfillment centers and claims about the company’s relationship with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), allegations 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 firm that powers ICE.”
NYC Mayor Skips Met Gala 2026 Amid Jeff Bezos Backlash, Cites Focus On Affordability
The controversy surrounding Bezos and Sánchez’ involvement in the Met Gala 2026 is even spilling into local politics. Zohran Mamdani revealed he plans to skip this year’s event altogether, citing a desire to focus on more pressing issues affecting New Yorkers. “That’s what I’m looking to spend a lot of my time focused on,” he said, referring to affordability concerns in the city.
According to reports, Mamdani emphasized that his priority remains tackling the rising cost of living, rather than attending one of the most exclusive nights in fashion.
Zendaya To Skip Met Gala 2026
Zendaya will reportedly sit out the Met Gala 2026, marking a noticeable absence from one of fashion’s most high-profile nights. According to reports, the decision is tied to her packed schedule and a desire to step back from constant public appearances during an especially busy stretch in her career.
The Met Gala, hosted annually by The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, has long been a major moment on the global fashion calendar, making her absence all the more notable. Still, her decision hasn’t stopped speculation. Some online chatter has suggested her absence could be linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeff Bezos’ involvement in this year’s event, though there has been no confirmation of that connection.
Meryl Streep Also Reportedly Skipping Met Gala 2026
Meryl Streep is another major name rumored to be sitting out the Met Gala 2026, though her absence may not come as a surprise. A representative for the “Mamma Mia!” star said, “Meryl has been invited to the Met Gala for many years but has never attended. While she appreciates Vogue, Anna, and her incredible imagination and stamina, it has never quite been her scene.”
The statement comes amid speculation that Streep was invited to take on a larger role this year, with reports suggesting she was asked to co-chair the event but declined. Some have linked that decision to the ongoing controversy surrounding Jeff Bezos’ involvement, though that has not been confirmed.
The 2026 Met Gala takes place on Monday, May 4, 2026, at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.