Taraji P. Henson and Jenifer Lewis are not mincing words when it comes to the 2026 Met Gala.
As backlash continues over the event’s connection to Jeff Bezos, both actresses have publicly questioned why celebrities would show up at a gala tied to a billionaire facing heavy criticism.
In an Instagram video, Lewis called out attendees, saying, “Okay, so I hadn’t seen any of it. I had been running around all day, and my girlfriend called and said, ‘Jenifer, they showed up anyway.’” Lewis referenced layoffs, funding cuts for children’s programs, and the broader political climate, asking, “How much fame do we need, ya’ll? How much more fame?”
Ever the diva, Lewis sang her criticism at her piano. “They cut nearly 30,000 jobs and gutted the Washington Post. They showed up anyway? Postering and posing, hoping to be the most. They cut $1 billion in funding for children’s nutrition. And there they all were, vying for the next position. We’re at war, and so many people are dying.”
Henson also weighed in, echoing the frustration in a comment on an Instagram post warning celebrities about attending the Bezos-backed event. Henson wrote, “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!”
Bezos and Lauren Sánchez served as honorary co-chairs for the 2026 Met Gala, a detail that has sparked conversation far beyond fashion. Also serving as co-chairs were A-listers like Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, and Venus Williams. Henson appeared to be taking a stand against the event specifically because of its connection to Bezos, while Lewis’ post also centered the impact of his decisions on workers and communities.
For both actresses, the issue was not just about a red carpet look or an invitation list, it was about whether showing up to celebrate fashion’s biggest night makes sense when the night is so closely linked to a man many see as part of the problem.
And in true Taraji and Jenifer fashion, they said what they said.