Lauren Sánchez Bezos to Co-Chair 2026 Met Gala After Sponsorship Backlash

The billionaire's wife will take on a prominent role at the prestigious fashion event despite criticism over the Bezos family's involvement.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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When the Bezoses were announced as lead sponsors of the 2026 Met Gala last year, the couple faced backlash over accusations of 'trying to buy their way into high society and politics.' However, it has now been confirmed that Lauren Sánchez Bezos will serve as an honorary co-chair of the event alongside Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Beyoncé.

Why it matters

The Met Gala is one of the most exclusive and high-profile fashion events of the year, and the Bezoses' involvement has sparked concerns about the increasing influence of tech billionaires in the fashion industry. The backlash also comes after Anna Wintour faced criticism for giving Lauren Sánchez a Vogue cover to platform her and Jeff's divisive wedding.

The details

The 2026 Met Gala will have the theme 'Fashion is Art,' exploring the centrality of the dressed body in the museum's collection. In addition to her sponsorship role, Lauren Sánchez Bezos will serve as an honorary co-chair of the event alongside Anna Wintour, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Beyoncé. Sánchez says she is 'honored' to be involved and excited to 'honor all these designers.'

  • The 2026 Met Gala is scheduled for the first Monday in May.
  • The Bezoses were announced as lead sponsors of the 2026 Met Gala in November 2025.

The players

Lauren Sánchez Bezos

The wife of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and a prominent media personality who has faced criticism over the Bezos family's involvement in the 2026 Met Gala.

Jeff Bezos

The billionaire founder of Amazon and husband of Lauren Sánchez Bezos, who is also involved in sponsoring the 2026 Met Gala.

Anna Wintour

The editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and a co-chair of the 2026 Met Gala.

Nicole Kidman

The acclaimed actress who is serving as a co-chair of the 2026 Met Gala.

Venus Williams

The professional tennis player who is a co-chair of the 2026 Met Gala.

Beyoncé

The renowned singer and performer who is a co-chair of the 2026 Met Gala, marking her first appearance at the event since 2016.

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What they’re saying

“It has been such a fun and meaningful experience, and when Anna called me and said, 'Do you want to co-chair and also be the sponsors of the Met?' I was so honored.”

— Lauren Sánchez Bezos (Today)

“[I'm] very grateful for her incredible generosity, and she's a great lover of costume and obviously of fashion, so we're thrilled she's part of the night.”

— Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue (CNN)

What’s next

The 2026 Met Gala is scheduled for the first Monday in May, and the discourse around the Bezoses' involvement is expected to continue in the lead-up to the event.

The takeaway

The Bezoses' prominent role in sponsoring and co-chairing the 2026 Met Gala has sparked concerns about the increasing influence of tech billionaires in the fashion industry, raising questions about the commercialization of one of the most prestigious cultural events.