Taraji P. Henson criticizes celebrities attending Bezos-backed Met Gala

Actor Taraji P. Henson and influencer Meredith Lynch have criticized celebrities who attended the 2026 Met Gala because of its association with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Lynch posted a video on Instagram questioning why celebrities would attend the event while wearing “ICE Out” pins, which are meant to show support for immigrant rights. She argued that Bezos, who served as an honorary co-chair of the gala with his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos, has supported President Donald Trump. Lynch said this support conflicts with the message some attendees are trying to promote. She also noted that while the Met Gala raises money for the Metropolitan Museum of Art, she finds it inconsistent to support an event tied to someone she believes has contributed to cuts in arts funding.

Henson agreed with the criticism. In a comment on Lynch’s post, she wrote that she was confused about why some people chose to attend. She also shared a post on her Instagram Story criticizing Bezos for his wealth and for reported working conditions in Amazon warehouses, adding the caption, “Enjoy the MET.”

Despite the backlash, many high-profile celebrities attended the event. Guests included Rihanna, Anne Hathaway, Margot Robbie, Bad Bunny, Colman Domingo, Teyana Taylor, and Beyoncé. Beyoncé served as one of the event’s co-chairs alongside Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour.

This year’s Met Gala theme was “Fashion is Art,” linked to a new Costume Institute exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.