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Met Gala 2026 Faces Backlash Over Bezos Sponsorship and Income Inequality

KVIA•Friday, May 1, 2026 at 9:16 PM•CNN Newsource

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AI Summary

The upcoming Met Gala on May 4, 2026, has sparked controversy due to its sponsorship by Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos. New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced he will not attend, emphasizing his commitment to making the city more affordable amid rising income inequality. Critics, including labor organizations, are calling for a boycott of the event, citing Amazon's labor practices. Despite the backlash, the gala remains a significant fundraiser for the Met's Costume Institute, which supports the preservation of over 33,000 fashion objects. Individual tickets for the gala are priced at $100,000, while tables go for $350,000, raising questions about the event's accessibility and relevance in today’s socio-economic climate.

Key Details: • Met Gala scheduled for May 4, 2026. • Individual tickets cost $100,000; tables are $350,000. • Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not attend, citing affordability concerns. • Protests and boycott calls are organized by groups like the Amazon Labor Union. • Funds raised support the Costume Institute's preservation and exhibition efforts.

protests fashion jeff-bezos income-inequality met-gala

People & Organizations

New York CityZohran MamdaniAmazonJeff BezosMetropolitan Museum of ArtLauren Sánchez BezosCindy CastroService Employees International UnionAmazon Labor UnionStrategic Organizing Center

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