Amazon Workers Stage A 'Ball Without Billionaires' Hours Before Met Gala 2026; Internet Says 'They Targeted The Whole Event'

Last Updated:May 05, 2026, 09:59 IST

Ahead of the 2026 Met Gala, Amazon workers and activists staged a bold counter-event, "Ball Without Billionaires,: sparking protests, disruptions, and intense online debate

Just hours before the much-awaited Met Gala took over Manhattan, a different scenario erupted in New York City’s Meatpacking District.

Hundreds of protesters and fashion lovers assembled for the “Ball Without Billionaires," a union-backed runway show that challenged the exclusivity of fashion’s biggest night while calling out wealth disparity and corporate power, according to New York magazine brand, The Cut.

Co-hosted by renowned stylist Gabriella Karefa-Johnson and Abbott Elementary actor Lisa Ann Walter, the event featured Amazon warehouse workers, delivery drivers, union organisers, and activists walking the runway in custom-designed outfits.

The showcase was not merely about style; it served as a platform to amplify criticism of Amazon’s labour practices, artificial intelligence investments, and alleged ties to controversial government contracts.

Placards reading “You Can’t Buy Cool" and “Labour Is Art" were visible throughout the gathering, while demonstrators directed sharp remarks at Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

Among the insults heard were “Temu Lex Luthor," “Q-Tip with a yacht," and “very bald." The protest was part of a broader call to boycott the Met Gala, which this year counts Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, among its honorary chairs and sponsors.

Tensions escalated near the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where the gala was underway. A protester attempted to breach the red carpet, reaching close to the photographers’ area before being restrained by police officers.

The individual’s signs were confiscated and discarded behind barricades. Elsewhere, demonstrators gathered with messages such as “tax the rich" and “billionaires for a dead planet," underscoring widespread frustration.

Reports also emerged that activists affiliated with the group Everyone Hates Elon allegedly left bottles of fake urine near the museum, referencing past claims by Amazon workers about harsh working conditions.

Despite the controversy, the gala continued under its theme, “Costume Art," co-chaired by Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. The theme explores the relationship between clothing and the human body across cultures and time.

Online, the protest sparked a wave of mixed reactions:

“Signs and costumes were ordered from Amazon?" said one user.

“Love it. 70% of the country is living paycheck-to-paycheck and Temu Miranda Priestly is still throwing this vulgar party of excess?" said another.

“How was the Met Gala suppose to bring people together..not trying to be contrary just asking seriously because I thought it was just fundraiser rich people paid to be at to support thr museums fashion/costume collections?" a third user said.

“Fashion is supposed to bring people together. Fashion is a community. and you can’t have one without the people who build it. what a time to be in NYC 🫡✨💓👠💅🏾" a fourth user said.

“They were targeting the whole event," said another.

“Fashion is always BEST when it’s from the STREETS" another wrote.

News viral Amazon Workers Stage A 'Ball Without Billionaires' Hours Before Met Gala 2026; Internet Says 'They Targeted The Whole Event'

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