Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez's Met Gala influence expands further

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez have been named honorary co-chairs of the 2026 Met Gala, joining Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams, and Anna Wintour. They were already announced as lead sponsors for the event.

Key Announcement

The couple's role as co-chairs was revealed in a February announcement listing additional host committee members and specifying the gala's theme: "Fashion is Art." This follows their earlier designation as lead sponsors in November.

Sánchez on Being Honored

Lauren Sánchez discussed the honor during an appearance on the "Today" show, expressing excitement about co-chairing and sponsoring the Met Gala. She praised the theme for highlighting designers as true artists.

Precedents and Criticism

Their dual role aligns with previous sponsorships at the Met Gala, such as Blackstone CEO Stephen A. Schwarzman's role in 2018. However, their involvement has faced criticism on social media, with some questioning their motivations.

In response to backlash, Anna Wintour defended the couple's involvement, stating that Sánchez would be a valuable asset to the museum and expressing gratitude for their support.