Taraji P Henson questions celebs at Jeff Bezos-backed Met Gala: 'I’m so confused by some people'

NEW YORK CITY, NEW YORK: The buzz around the 2026 Met Gala isn’t just about fashion this year, it’s about who showed up and why. Actress Taraji P Henson has joined the growing list of voices questioning the event, particularly due to its high-profile backing.

The conversation picked up over the weekend, just ahead of the gala on Monday, May 4, when Henson reacted to a viral social media rant criticizing the event’s ties to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Taraji P Henson reacts to Jeff Bezos Met Gala backlash

The debate began when social media personality Meredith Lynch posted a strong opinion about celebrities attending the Met Gala while also supporting activism.

“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,” Lynch said in an Instagram video.

She didn’t stop there. “You cannot wear the ICE OUT pin to the Jeff Bezos-backed Met Gala,” she added, blaming the billionaire for being “part of the reason we’re in this mess."

Lynch also called out Bezos for supporting President Donald Trump, adding that he has backed policies that “slashed arts funding.” Her message was clear, celebrities need to pick a side.

That’s when Henson stepped in. Reacting in the comments, she posted clapping emojis and wrote, “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like W** ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”

Jeff Bezos Met Gala sponsorship sparks backlash

This year’s Met Gala isn’t just another fashion event. Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, are not only attending, they are also lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs of the event.

Reports say the couple contributed at least $10 million to support the gala, which carries the theme “Costume Art.”

They are joined by other co-chairs, including Anna Wintour, Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams.

However, the sponsorship has become a talking point beyond fashion. Critics argue that the event now carries political and social weight, particularly given Bezos’ influence and ongoing criticism of Amazon’s labor practices.

The backlash didn’t stay online. On Sunday night, activists projected messages calling for a “boycott the Bezos Met Gala” onto a building visible from Bezos’ penthouse, highlighting issues such as wealth inequality, climate concerns, and labor rights.

Celebrities skip Met Gala amid Jeff Bezos controversy

The controversy has also affected attendance. Several major names chose not to attend this year’s Met Gala, including Zendaya, Meryl Streep, and Bella Hadid.

Bella Hadid even “liked” Lynch’s viral post, which many saw as a subtle show of support for the criticism.

Meanwhile, a source revealed that New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani would also skip the event, saying it “goes against everything he believes in.”

Despite the backlash, Bezos and Ssnchez appeared unfazed. The couple attended a pre-Met Gala party hosted by Wintour at her private New York home, signaling they had no plans to step back from the spotlight.

Henson herself is no stranger to the Met Gala. She has attended multiple times over the years, including in 2015, 2021, and 2025. Last year, she turned heads in a custom white corseted minidress paired with a blazer, top hat, and cane.