NEW YORK: Posters calling for a boycott of the upcoming Met Gala have appeared across New York City’s streets and subway system, in protest against the involvement of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, as lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs of the event.
The Met Gala, a high-profile fundraising event scheduled for May 4, traditionally attracts prominent figures from entertainment, sports, fashion, and business. This year’s edition has drawn criticism from activists opposing Bezos’s business practices and broader issues related to corporate power and labour conditions.
The poster campaign includes provocative imagery highlighting alleged worker treatment at Amazon, including references to delivery workers reportedly facing inadequate break conditions. Another poster depicts Bezos in a uniform associated with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, referencing concerns over Amazon Web Services’ government contracts.
The campaign is linked to a group founded in the United Kingdom, “Everyone Hates Elon,” which states that its activism targets multiple billionaires rather than a single individual. A spokesperson for the group said the campaign aims to encourage public opposition to individuals perceived as having excessive influence over society and economic systems.
According to the group, the campaign has raised more than £14,000 (approximately $19,000) in New York, largely through small individual donations.
The Met Gala has previously faced criticism over its association with wealth inequality, environmental concerns, and global political issues. Similar protests have occurred in past years, reflecting ongoing public debate over the role of ultra-wealthy individuals in high-profile cultural events.