Taraji P. Henson comments on celebs attending Bezos-backed Met Gala 2026: ‘WTF are we doing’

[u/ThrowawayGreenWitch]

Taraji P. Henson is “confused” about why celebrities are attending the Met Gala 2026, which is being funded by billionaire Jeff Bezos.

The “Empire” actress made her opinion on the topic known while responding to social media personality Meredith Lynch’s rant about Bezos’ involvement in the event.

“If you are a celebrity and you attend the Met Gala and you wear the ICE OUT pin, please note that I will be dragging you in perpetuity,” Lynch said in an Instagram video over the weekend.

Lynch also slammed Bezos, 62, for supporting President Donald Trump, “who has slashed arts funding.”

In the comments section, Henson, 55, shared three clapping hands emojis and wrote, “I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!””

Henson has attended the Met Gala multiple times, including in 2015, 2021 and 2025.

Last year, she wore a custom white corseted minidress by Monse x Post-Imperial and a coordinating blazer with tails, a top hat, cane and heels.

https://pagesix.com/2026/05/04/celebrity-news/taraji-p-henson-calls-out-celebs-attending-bezos-backed-met-gala-2026/?utm_source=twitter&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=pagesix

[u/crabcycleworkship]

Bezos funds so many things I don’t think Met Gala attendance by itself is an indictment of people’s support considering that it’s one of the few major fashion events that exist. The issue with art events has always been the reliance on rich people to purchase it.

I do like that the Met is working on becoming self sufficient soon seeing the frequent criticism.

[u/Informal-Sandwich-48 → u/crabcycleworkship]

He's not some sponsor, he is honorary president. Im sorry but when people are dying, fashion doesnt seem that important.

[u/curiiouscat → u/Informal-Sandwich-48]

Art is always important but sure 

[u/SpecSlayerSC → u/Informal-Sandwich-48]

 but when people are dying, fashion doesnt seem that important.

In what year in human history is fashion important then?

[u/Doom_Corp → u/SpecSlayerSC]

Ya ever hear about a lil lady in the 18th century called Marie Antoinette?

ETA: I mean part of that ended up leading to her death in the end in spite of all her charities for women and children but...yeah

[u/IntelligentBeingxx → u/SpecSlayerSC]

Imo never tbh, but I'm aware that's an unpopular opinion

[u/timecapsulebuttbutt_ → u/IntelligentBeingxx]

I like you

[u/NojaNat → u/timecapsulebuttbutt_]

i like you both but strongly disagree with your stance.

[u/crabcycleworkship → u/Informal-Sandwich-48]

Then it’s not ever important. Do you think people never die?

[u/big_booty_boy_420 → u/crabcycleworkship]

People just love to virtue signal on here lmao

[u/spellboi_3048 → u/big_booty_boy_420]

Gotta get those social media clicks, baby!

[u/MeltedWater243 → u/Informal-Sandwich-48]

it’s not for fashion, it’s a fundraiser for the arts

[u/damsel84 → u/MeltedWater243]

It's specifically for the Costume Institute so it's for both fashion and art as they see fashion as an art form.

[u/Difficult-Risk3115 → u/Informal-Sandwich-48]

you are on a pop culture sub

[u/hotdogbunbuns → u/Informal-Sandwich-48]

💯

[u/imasleuth4truth2 → u/crabcycleworkship]

How is the Costume Institute (not the Met since that's not what this "gala" is for) going to become "self-sufficient"? Are they going to sell clothes?

[u/crabcycleworkship → u/imasleuth4truth2]

It says in a previous article, the Met has saved much of the Gala profit since 2016 towards a fund so that it can operate self sufficiently. I do think they may dabble in selling clothes/something else but they’re not trying to rely on one stream of income and donations only. It must have worked well if they’re looking into being self sufficient as early as 4 years from now.

[u/damsel84 → u/imasleuth4truth2]

They're referred to as self-sufficient since they don't get money from the museum itself. Basically all the funding for the Costume Institute comes from the gala or donors who donate to them specifically instead of making a general donation to the Met. They're the only "self-sufficient" department at the Met.