Bella Hadid Joins The Buzz: Met Gala Sponsorship Sparks Outrage

  • By Avery
  • May 5, 2026, 3 p.m.

Bella Hadid Stirs the Pot Ahead of Met Gala 2026

Bella Hadid is making waves in the fashion world, and not just with her runway looks. As anticipation builds for the 2026 Met Gala, the supermodel has added fuel to the fire by engaging with criticism surrounding the event's controversial sponsorship. Reports have surfaced that Hadid liked an Instagram video that slammed the high-profile fundraiser, scheduled for May 4 in New York.

The video in question didn't hold back. It called out celebrities planning to attend the gala and take a stand on climate issues, while also accepting sponsorship from Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez. "If you are a celebrity and you attend the Met Gala and you wear the ice out pin, please note that I will be dragging you in perpetuity," the video warned. It further accused Bezos of being part of the problem, stating, "Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we're in this f**king mess. Jeff Bezos supports this f**king mess."

“What used to be a closed-door networking event for fashion people is now a big-box clout store for the richest people on the planet,” journalist Amy Odell observed.

The Backlash Against Bezos and Sánchez

The Met Gala, a Vogue-organized event, is a staple in the fashion calendar, renowned for raising funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art. However, this year's gala is under a cloud of scrutiny due to its lead sponsors: Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez. Critics have been vocal about Bezos’ alleged political ties and Amazon's labor practices, which have long been a source of contention.

Activist group Everyone Hates Elon has taken the lead in opposing the sponsorship, plastering New York with posters declaring, “The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation.” Their protests highlight the ongoing issues surrounding warehouse working conditions.

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos

Fallout and Famous No-Shows

The ripple effects of this sponsorship scandal are already being felt. Reports suggest that several high-profile figures, including Zendaya and Meryl Streep, might be skipping the gala this year. While official reasons remain unconfirmed, the controversy surrounding the event's financial backing might be a contributing factor.

Adding to the conversation, journalist Amy Odell pointed out the changing nature of the gala, noting the influx of major tech companies buying up tables at skyrocketing prices. It's clear that this year's Met Gala is shaping up to be more than just a fashion statement – it's becoming a battleground for broader societal issues.

Avery
Author: Avery
Avery

Avery

Avery runs the fast lane: tip triage, source vetting, and headline decisions in minutes. She specializes in “developing” items that turn into next-day exclusives, balancing speed with receipts. Expect tight copy, clean attributions, and zero fluff.