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Taraji P. Henson Says She Will Not Attend 2026 Met Gala
Actress Taraji P. Henson expressed confusion over celebrities attending the 2026 Met Gala sponsored by Jeff Bezos. Social media influencer Meredith Lynch urged a boycott in a viral video, citing Bezos' support for President Trump and arts funding cuts. Several high-profile figures, including Zendaya and Bella Hadid, are skipping the event amid activist protests.
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Actress Taraji P. Henson commented on social media expressing confusion about celebrities attending the Jeff Bezos-sponsored Met Gala 2026, writing three clapping hands emojis and stating, 'I am so confused by some ppl that are going. Henson, who has attended the event in 2015, 2021 and 2025, shared her reaction to an Instagram video posted by social media personality Meredith Lynch over the weekend.
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The post drew attention from others, including model Bella Hadid, who liked it. Hadid is skipping the 2026 Met Gala, along with actress Zendaya and Meryl Streep. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez are the lead sponsors and honorary co-chairs of the Met Gala 2026, having paid at least $10 million for the sponsorship.
The event features a 'Costume Art' theme, with co-chairs Anna Wintour, Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman and Venus Williams. On Sunday night, activists projected a call to 'boycott the Bezos Met Gala' onto a building visible from Bezos' penthouse, highlighting issues of wealth inequality, climate accountability and labor rights.
Despite the protests, Bezos and Sánchez attended Anna Wintour’s pre-Met Gala party at her private home in New York City.
New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani will not attend the 2026 Met Gala, according to a source who told Page Six that it goes against everything he believes in. Henson wore a custom white corseted minidress by Monse x Post-Imperial and a coordinating blazer with tails, a top hat, cane and heels to the 2025 Met Gala.
