Bella Hadid joins Met Gala critics over Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's sponsorship

Bella Hadid has drawn attention online after engaging with criticism of the 2026 Met Gala, according to reports surrounding social media activity ahead of the event.

The model liked an Instagram video criticising celebrities expected to attend the high-profile fundraiser, which takes place on May 4 in New York.

Photo: Instagram

The video included pointed remarks about the event’s sponsorship, stating, “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. You cannot wear the ice out pin to the Jeff Bezos-backed Met Gala.” It further claimed, “Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we're in this f**king mess. Jeff Bezos supports this f**king mess.”

However, this year’s gala has faced scrutiny following the announcement that Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos would serve as lead sponsors and honorary chairs.

Criticism has centred on Bezos’ reported political affiliations and longstanding concerns about labour practices at Amazon.

Activist group Everyone Hates Elon has launched a campaign opposing the sponsorship, displaying posters across New York reading, “The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation.” The group has also staged protest actions referencing warehouse working conditions.

Journalist Amy Odell commented on the event’s evolving nature, writing, “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.”

She also noted that major technology firms have purchased tables at significantly increased prices compared to previous years.

Several high-profile figures, including Zendaya and Meryl Streep, are reported to be skipping the event, though no official reasons have been confirmed.