The buzz around the Met Gala usually stays centered on celebrity fashion, luxury outfits, and global media attention. However, this year, just before the event could begin, the conversation outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art took an unexpected turn. A protest linked to Amazon founder Jeff Bezos has now become a talking point online, adding a different layer to the build-up of one of the world's most-watched fashion events.
Protest activity outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art
In the days leading up to the Met Gala in New York, a group staged a symbolic protest outside the venue. A video posted on May 1 by the social media account Everyone Hates Elon showed individuals placing small bottles around the museum premises. The video has since gone viral.
The bottles were reportedly filled with water and food coloring and used as symbolic props. According to a report by The New York Post, the protest was linked to long-standing allegations regarding working conditions in warehouse environments. Alongside this, baskets containing empty bottles were also placed outside the museum. The group described them as interactive elements intended to reinforce their message about labor conditions.
As noted in the same report, the group referenced repeated allegations that workers at Amazon warehouses are sometimes subjected to intense work pressure and restricted break times, with claims that some employees are forced to urinate in bottles due to demanding schedules and limited access to restrooms. These remain allegations that have circulated in public reporting and have been previously denied or contested by the company.
Protest directed at Jeff Bezos
The demonstration was specifically aimed at Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, who is also serving as an honorary chair and a key sponsor of this year's Met Gala and its related exhibition. The protest, as framed by the group, appeared to connect corporate influence, labor-related allegations, and high-profile cultural events such as the Met Gala.
Mixed responses on social media
As the video circulated widely across social media platforms, it triggered a mixed set of reactions from users, ranging from support to criticism. One Instagram user commented, People are sick and tired of the Met Gala; it's not a gala anymore. Another wrote, This is absolutely perfect peak activism. A third reaction said, The trolling is chef's kiss perfection. Meanwhile, another user added, Just stop ordering anything from Amazon; that will always be the most effective measure...
Disclaimer: The information in this report is drawn from publicly available social media posts and reported demonstrations. It is intended solely for informational purposes.
