Celebrities including Beyoncé, Bad Bunny, and Katy Perry gathered in New York on May 4, 2026, for the annual Met Gala, as protests unfolded outside the venue in response to the event’s association with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.
According to Reuters, the high-profile fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute drew a wide range of prominent figures from music, film, and fashion. The Met Gala, widely regarded as one of the most significant events in the global fashion calendar, once again served as a platform for elaborate artistic expression aligned with its 2026 theme centered on costume and visual art.
Beyoncé made a notable return to the event, appearing as one of its co-chairs after an extended absence. Other attendees included Puerto Rican artist Bad Bunny and singer Katy Perry, both of whom embraced the evening’s theme with distinctive costumes. Reuters reported that Bad Bunny appeared dressed as an elderly man, while Perry wore a silver mask as part of her look.
The event also featured appearances from celebrities such as Sam Smith, Doja Cat, and Nicole Kidman, who were among those arriving early on the red carpet. The guest list reflected the Gala’s continued status as an invitation-only event attended by leading figures across entertainment industries.
Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez Bezos were identified as key sponsors and honorary chairs of the 2026 Met Gala. Their involvement prompted demonstrations outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where protesters gathered with signs addressing issues including wealth inequality and labor rights. Reuters reported that demonstrators displayed slogans such as “tax the rich” and “resistance red carpet” during the event.
Despite the protests, the Gala proceeded as scheduled, maintaining its role as a major fundraising initiative for the museum’s Costume Institute. The event is known for generating significant financial support for exhibitions and programming related to fashion and design.
The Met Gala continues to function as both a cultural and philanthropic event, combining celebrity presence with institutional fundraising. Each year’s theme guides attendees’ fashion choices, contributing to the event’s global visibility and media coverage.
The 2026 edition reinforced the Gala’s dual identity as a celebration of fashion and a focal point for broader public discourse. While attendees focused on creative interpretation of the theme inside the venue, the demonstrations outside reflected ongoing debates connected to the individuals and organizations involved in supporting the event.
