Bezos Faces Backlash Before Big New York Gala

A wave of protest posters has appeared across Manhattan, targeting the Amazon founder before his role as a main sponsor for this year’s Met Gala. The event, set to take place on the first Monday of May, is expected to attract many celebrities and high‑profile guests. The banners are strategically placed near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the gala will be held, and on subway cars. They criticize Bezos for his ties to U. S. immigration enforcement and alleged poor working conditions at Amazon, while also calling attention to his recent tax avoidance claims. One poster reads: “The Bezos Met Gala – Brought to you by the firm that powers ICE. ” Another states, “Brought to you by worker exploitation. ” A third claims: “Jeff Bezos proudly presents: The Met x avoiding taxes. ” These messages aim to remind attendees that the event’s sponsorship is linked to controversial corporate practices.

The campaign is organized by a British activist group called Everyone Hates Elon, which focuses on Amazon’s relationship with ICE and the company’s labor policies. The group also highlighted a documentary Amazon produced about former First Lady Melania Trump, accusing Bezos of using the film to curry favor with the former president while avoiding taxes. Despite the high‑profile nature of the gala, New York City’s mayor and his wife will not attend. Sources indicate that the protest is gaining traction among local residents who are uneasy about the event’s association with a billionaire known for his corporate controversies. The protests reflect growing public scrutiny of how wealth and influence are used in cultural events, raising questions about the ethics of sponsorships that rely on companies with contentious records.

Actions