Posters on New York subway trains spring accuse Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and wife Lauren Sánchez of buying cultural influence via the 2026 Met Gala[1].

Critics said the billionaire is leveraging his wealth to shape high‑profile cultural events while his company continues contracts with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a link they said fuels the growing boycott movement[1][4].

One Instagram caption accompanying the ads said, “Billionaire Trump supporter Jeff Bezos is chairing the Met Gala, celebrities' biggest night. His company literally helps ICE. WTF @metmuseum?” The poster’s language frames the billionaire’s involvement as a direct purchase of prestige and power—an accusation amplified by the vivid subway placement[1].

Bezos and Sánchez have been named honorary co‑chairs for the 2026 Met Gala[2]. Some reports describe Bezos as the event’s chair, while others note he is merely a co‑chair, reflecting inconsistent coverage of his exact role[5]. The discrepancy underscores the difficulty of verifying high‑profile philanthropic titles.

Social‑media users have echoed the subway message, sharing images of the ads and urging the public to avoid the gala and its sponsors. Calls for a boycott have surged on social media, with several activist groups promising coordinated protests if the museum proceeds without addressing the concerns[6].

If the pressure persists, the Met Museum could face reputational risk and potential sponsor pull‑outs, mirroring past controversies that have forced cultural institutions to reconsider donor relationships. Organizers have not publicly responded to the subway campaign, leaving the debate open as the gala approaches.

The incident adds to a broader pattern of grassroots activism using the city’s transit system to spotlight corporate influence. By targeting a high‑visibility event, the ads aim to force a public conversation about the intersection of wealth, philanthropy, and government contracts.

“Billionaire Trump supporter Jeff Bezos is chairing the Met Gala, celebrities' biggest night. His company literally helps ICE. WTF @metmuseum?”

The subway campaign shows how activists can leverage everyday public spaces to challenge powerful donors, potentially pressuring cultural institutions to scrutinize the sources of their funding and the political implications of high‑profile partnerships.