Activists Launch Boycott Campaign Against 'Bezos Met Gala'

Guerrilla posters criticize Amazon founder's sponsorship of annual Met Museum fundraiser.

Apr. 18, 2026 at 7:10pm

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A minimalist, abstract poster design in black, red, and white, depicting stylized protesters marching against a geometric backdrop, conceptually representing the grassroots boycott campaign against the 'Bezos Met Gala'.Activists take their protest against billionaire influence to the streets ahead of the high-profile Met Gala fundraiser.NYC Today

A guerrilla activist group has launched a campaign to boycott this year's Met Gala in New York City, citing concerns over the event's lead sponsorship by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Posters have appeared across the city urging the public to avoid the high-profile fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which has traditionally been seen as epitomizing wealth inequality in the U.S.

Why it matters

The Met Gala is one of the most prominent annual social events in the country, drawing A-list celebrities and serving as a major fundraiser for the prestigious Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bezos' involvement as a lead sponsor has sparked outrage among activists who accuse the billionaire of worker exploitation at Amazon and his political alignment with the Trump administration.

The details

The boycott campaign features posters plastered on sidewalks and subway cars around New York City, with slogans like 'The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation.' The activists are criticizing Bezos' sponsorship of the event, which they see as emblematic of growing wealth inequality in the U.S. at a time of economic uncertainty and war abroad.

  • The boycott posters began appearing in New York City this week.
  • The 2026 Met Gala is scheduled for the first Monday in May.

The players

Jeff Bezos

The founder of Amazon, who has been announced as a lead sponsor and honorary chair of the 2026 Met Gala.

Lauren Sánchez Bezos

Jeff Bezos' wife, who has also been named as a lead sponsor and honorary chair of the 2026 Met Gala.

Metropolitan Museum of Art

The prestigious art museum that hosts the annual Met Gala fundraiser in New York City.

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What’s next

The activists behind the boycott campaign have not announced any specific future plans, but the controversy is likely to continue building ahead of the 2026 Met Gala in May.

The takeaway

This boycott campaign reflects growing public scrutiny of the wealth and influence of tech billionaires like Jeff Bezos, particularly in the context of economic hardship and social unrest. The Met Gala's association with excess and inequality makes it a prime target for activists seeking to highlight these issues.