On May 4, 2026, a small but spirited protest organized by the advocacy group Rise and Resist erupted near the Metropolitan Museum of Art during the Met Gala. Dozens of costumed demonstrators gathered on a makeshift "Resistance Runway" to denounce billionaire Jeff Bezos, who co-chaired the event with his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos. Participants held signs addressing trans rights, fascism, and wealth inequality, and danced to ABBA's "Money, Money, Money." The protest highlighted Bezos's role as co-chair, with activists criticizing his company Amazon's profits from immigration crackdowns and layoffs at the Washington Post. Bezos reportedly did not attend the gala, while his wife walked the red carpet alone.
This protest matters because it underscores the Met Gala's ongoing role as a flashpoint for social and political criticism, particularly regarding the intersection of wealth, power, and philanthropy. The event's association with Bezos amplified concerns about corporate influence and ethical contradictions in the art world, drawing attention to broader issues of inequality and activism. The action also reflects a growing trend of coordinated protests targeting high-profile art events, linking luxury fundraising to systemic violence and political apathy.