Anna Wintour may face a new challenge as she plans the 2027 Met Gala. Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Bezos will not return as major sponsors, according to sources. The couple helped lead the 2026 event, which faced strong backlash over their involvement. Wintour now needs to find new financial support for fashion’s biggest night.
Anna Wintour held an emergency Vogue meeting to scale back the Met Gala following intense Jeff Bezos backlash
Bezos and Lauren served as lead sponsors and honorary chairs of the 2026 Met Gala. Sources told The Hollywood Reporter that Wintour hoped they would return in 2027. Lauren seemed like the more likely choice because of her strong interest in fashion. However, the couple will not repeat their sponsorship roles.
The 2026 event faced major criticism over Bezos’ involvement. The activist group Everyone Hates Elon placed “Boycott the Bezos Met Ball” posters around New York. The group also distributed bottles of fake urine in reference to reports about bathroom breaks for Amazon workers. Some critics later called the event the “Tech Gala” and “Bezos Ball.”
Bezos has also faced criticism over his political ties and business decisions. His attendance at Donald Trump’s second inauguration and Amazon’s $40 million deal for a Melania Trump documentary drew attention. His ownership of The Washington Post and its newsroom cuts also drew scrutiny. His $25 million Venice wedding to Lauren added to the criticism.
According to Condé Nast sources, Wintour responded by holding an all-hands Vogue meeting. She said she would make the 2027 Gala less flashy, keep the guest list smaller and have a theme. She also hoped to minimize protests outside the event. However, the 2027 Costume Institute show will focus on John Galliano, which could spark another controversy.
Galliano’s selection recalls his 2011 antisemitic and racist tirade in Paris. Dior fired him, and a French court later convicted him over the remarks and gave him a suspended $8,400 fine. He later apologized, became sober and studied Judaism. Sources say Wintour is now considering George and Amal Clooney, Ted Sarandos and Nicole Avant as possible new financial supporters.
