Bella Hadid joins backlash against 2026 Met Gala
Bella Hadid’s social media activity has intensified criticism of the Met Gala’s ties to Jeff Bezos, as divisions grow among celebrities over activism, corporate influence and attendance at the high-profile fashion event.
Bella Hadid has signalled her disapproval of this year’s Met Gala and those set to attend it.
By endorsing criticism of Jeff Bezos, the event’s new co-chair, the 29-year-old supermodel’s move underscores widening tensions between celebrity activism and high-fashion patronage.
Bella, who has attended the gala five times and is widely recognised for her runway dominance with brands such as Versace and Dior, reacted on Instagram ahead of Monday (04.05.26) night’s event in New York.
The gala, a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute, has come under scrutiny after Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos were announced as lead sponsors and honorary chairs.
The backlash centres on Amazon’s reported links to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) through cloud services and data partnerships – a controversy unfolding alongside renewed debate about deportation policies during Donald Trump’s return to the political spotlight.
Bella – who has increasingly used her platform to speak on political and humanitarian issues, including Palestine and global displacement – liked a video by Meredith Lynch reading: “You cannot wear the ICE out pin to the Jeff Bezos backed MET Gala. Jeff Bezos is part of the reason we’re in this mess.”
The statement refers to criticism of celebrities who publicly oppose ICE while attending an event tied to Bezos’ business empire.
Fans quickly interpreted the interaction as confirmation Bella may skip the gala, writing online: “Bella Hadid seemingly confirmed she won’t be attending this year’s Met Gala after liking an instagram reel calling out celebs who protest ice but still attend events tied to Jeff Bezos, who is reportedly highly involved this year.”
Bella’s stance places her alongside other high-profile figures distancing themselves from the event.
Actress Zendaya – best known for Euphoria and the Spider-Man franchise – is reportedly not attending, while Meryl Streep is said to have withdrawn from a rumoured co-chair role.
Taraji P. Henson publicly echoed the criticism, commenting: “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”
Her remarks reflect a broader unease within Hollywood, where political messaging has increasingly collided with corporate sponsorship.
Industry tensions have also surfaced behind the scenes.
An insider told the Daily Mail: “It’s, quite frankly, very hurtful and very disturbing for (the Bezoses) to be the face of this year’s Met Gala… something that is really meaningful to a lot of people and to such a highly regarded and highly respected institution. It feels like a real slap in the face to a lot of people.”
The source added dissent has been quietly building within the fashion world, noting its traditionally liberal leanings and the discomfort surrounding Bezos’s perceived political affiliations.
The controversy arrives amid continued scrutiny of Bezos’ ventures, including Blue Origin’s high-profile space flights and his widely protested Venice wedding in 2025.
Activist group Everyone Hates Elon has plastered New York with posters reading: “The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation.”
Meanwhile, Anna Wintour, the long-time orchestrator of the Gala, faces renewed pressure as the event’s political entanglements threaten to overshadow its cultural prestige.
