The Met Gala is approaching with a twist this year as major stars are opting out and protests are brewing over Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez’s sponsorship involvement. Bezos and Sanchez, known for their $10 million contribution, are honorary co-chairs alongside Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. Their ties to ICE and worker exploitation have sparked citywide demonstrations urging a boycott of the event.

Organizations like the Service Employees International Union and the Amazon Labour Union are planning a ‘Ball Without Billionaires’ protest, showcasing ethically made clothing. Notably, Bella Hadid and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani have decided to skip the event, with Zendaya citing scheduling conflicts rather than Bezos as her reason for absence.

The gala has stirred controversy in light of Bezos’ past ties to ICE and tax avoidance. Meryl Streep, on the other hand, has opted out over personal preferences. The event’s association with Bezos has led to mixed reactions, with some celebrities supporting the protests against attending.