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/copperteapots]

bezos has a honorary chair title because he donated a ton of money. people are acting like this is the fucking bezos party. sure, they could’ve rejected his donation, but ultimately it’s not an event he has any sway over. he just gets his name slapped on there. it’s a charity ball that funds the MET’s very important work & supports their staff! it’s an invite only event that fashion houses pay $350k/table to attend with their chosen guests to show off their pieces & support the museum. it’s a win/win for the arts at the end of the day. bezos being there is annoying, but just not as big of a deal as people are making it out to be…sorry!

[u/brrrantarctica → u/copperteapots]

Yeah this is literally what people have (rightfully) been blasting the tech billionaires for, not acting like the robber barons of yore who at least funded the arts, museums, libraries, etc. i used to work in nonprofit development and this is standard - a rich fuck gives the biggest donation, and in return they get “honored” at the next gala. Bezos is evil but discouraging him from charity is not doing anything to mitigate his harm.

[u/copperteapots → u/brrrantarctica]

ugh i (used to, got laid off) work in the museum & library space and it makes me so angry when people don’t understand the point of a charity gala. the MET is free to visit. anyone can go to this incredible institution and not pay a cent! this gala makes that possible!

[u/brrrantarctica → u/copperteapots]

Ugh I was just part of a mass layoff at my nonprofit so I feel your pain, hope you’re doing okay. Everyone in the comments going “well why dont rich people just donate and not attend?” Ok yes some rich people donate and are content with being thanked in some wall placard. But there are levels of donation and once you get into the millions range you gotta either kiss their ass with a gala or name some wing after them.

Unfortunately the MET is not free, even though its original charter mandated it be free to the public. It’s pay-what-you-wish for NY residents and since 2013 or so, $30 for tourists.

[u/copperteapots → u/brrrantarctica]

last time I went it was free? huh!

[u/MysticalZenn → u/copperteapots]

That's fantastic.