It seems money can't buy you everything. Billionaire Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, received a torrent of hate on social media during the 2026 Met Gala. The couple served as honorary chairs and lead sponsors for the event, reportedly spending $10 million to secure their place in the fashion world.
Red Carpet Controversy
The backlash was not unexpected. When Vogue announced in February that the couple would be honorary chairs, activist groups plastered New York City with posters calling for a boycott. The couple seemed aware of the potential backlash, as Bezos reportedly skipped the red carpet entirely and entered the event discreetly, while Sanchez Bezos wore a Schiaparelli gown.
Criticism of Wealth and Taste
Critics focused on the glaring wealth inequality epitomized by the gala, which raises funds for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The couple's alignment with the Trump administration further fueled discontent. Additionally, Sanchez Bezos is not regarded as a fashion trendsetter, and their wedding invitation design was widely mocked for its lack of sophistication.
Social media erupted with comments like, "Yaaaas give us nothing Lauren Sanchez!" and "All the money in the world only to look like a teacher at a prom." Others questioned whether Sanchez Bezos's dress was from Amazon, highlighting the couple's perceived lack of style.
A Question of Coolness
As one user noted, "Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's obscene wealth is really secondary to their generational lack of coolness. Sorry losers but you can't buy swag or good taste." The couple's attempt to buy their way into fashion's elite circle appears to have backfired, reinforcing the notion that some things remain beyond the reach of even the richest.
