Supermodel Bella Hadid criticizes celebrities planning to attend Monday’s Met Gala, highlighting Amazon founder Jeff Bezos’ role as co-chair. The 29-year-old model, who has appeared at the event five times previously, liked an Instagram video by Meredith Lynch. The video states: ‘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 U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) policies, including a mass deportation initiative under the Trump administration earlier this year. Bezos’ company Amazon holds contracts with ICE, and Amazon Web Services (AWS) reportedly hosts data for Palantir, a firm that supplies software for tracking immigrants.
Celebrity Pushback
Hadid’s action aligns with other stars distancing themselves from the gala. Zendaya skips the fashion industry’s premier event, while Meryl Streep withdraws as a rumored co-chair. Actress Taraji P. Henson echoed the sentiment in comments on the video: ‘I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!’
Fans speculate Hadid will also skip the event, with reactions noting her like signals opposition to Bezos-linked attendance despite anti-ICE protests.
Reasons for Controversy
Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sánchez Bezos serve as lead sponsors and honorary chairs, drawing scrutiny. Critics point to Amazon’s labor practices, highlighted by activist group Everyone Hates Elon’s New York posters: ‘The Bezos Met Gala: Brought to you by worker exploitation.’
An industry insider describes the situation as ‘very hurtful and very disturbing’ for the Bezoses to lead an event meaningful to many at a respected institution. ‘It feels like a real slap in the face to a lot of people.’
Reports indicate internal tensions among planners, given the fashion industry’s liberal leanings. Organizers like Anna Wintour have backed Democratic candidates, and past attendees include liberal politicians. The Bezoses donated $1 million to the recent presidential inauguration, raising concerns over immigration policies, DEI initiatives, and other issues.
Ongoing Scrutiny
The couple faces prior backlash, including protests at their June 2025 Venice wedding and criticism of Lauren Sánchez Bezos’ April 2025 Blue Origin spaceflight with an all-female crew, labeled as extravagant by some.
