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NYC Mayor Declines Met Gala Invite, Citing Billionaire Ties
Mamdani and first lady Duwaji will not attend the annual high-profile fashion event.
Apr. 15, 2026 at 8:40pm
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An abstract visual metaphor for the mayor's principled refusal to attend an event dominated by the ultra-wealthy elite.NYC TodayNew York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji have declined an invitation to attend this year's Met Gala, the annual high-profile fashion event at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. According to a report by Page Six, the mayor's decision to skip the gala goes against his beliefs, as the event is being financially backed in part by billionaires Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez-Bezos, who are serving as lead donors and honorary co-chairs.
Why it matters
The Met Gala is one of New York City's most prominent cultural events, drawing political leaders, celebrities, and business figures. Mamdani's decision to decline the invitation signals his commitment to his anti-billionaire stance and desire to distance himself from the event's elite, wealthy attendees.
The details
The report states that when asked about Mamdani's decision, a source close to the mayor said 'He's not coming. It would be foolish if he did ... can you imagine? It goes against everything he believes in.' Mamdani has previously expressed his view that the U.S. should not have billionaires. In contrast, past New York City mayors, including Eric Adams, Bill de Blasio, and Michael Bloomberg, have regularly attended the gala.
- The Met Gala is an annual event held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The players
Zohran Mamdani
The current mayor of New York City who has declined an invitation to attend the Met Gala, citing his opposition to billionaires.
Rama Duwaji
The first lady of New York City, who will also not be attending the Met Gala with her husband, Mayor Mamdani.
Jeff Bezos
The billionaire co-founder of Amazon, who is serving as a lead donor and honorary co-chair for the Met Gala.
Lauren Sánchez-Bezos
The partner of Jeff Bezos, who is also serving as a lead donor and honorary co-chair for the Met Gala.
Anna Wintour
The editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine, who is involved in the organization of the Met Gala.
What they’re saying
“'He's not coming. It would be foolish if he did ... can you imagine? It goes against everything he believes in.'”
— Anonymous source, Close to Mayor Mamdani
“She is 'young and modern and also entirely herself.'”
— Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief, Vogue
The takeaway
Mayor Mamdani's decision to decline the Met Gala invitation reflects his anti-billionaire stance and desire to distance himself from the event's elite, wealthy attendees. This move aligns with his progressive political views and signals his commitment to challenging the influence of the ultra-wealthy in New York City's cultural and social spheres.
