Anna Wintour Defends Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez Amid Met Gala Backlash

In a recent public endorsement, Anna Wintour defended Lauren Sánchez and Jeff Bezos against criticism following their appointment as lead sponsors of the 2026 Met Gala. During an interview at the Franca Fund gala in Doha, Qatar, Wintour praised Sánchez’s contributions to the museum and the event, responding to the backlash over the couple’s financial involvement.

“I think Lauren is going to be a wonderful asset to the museum and to the event,” Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue, stated. “We’re very grateful for her incredible generosity. She’s a great lover of costume and obviously of fashion, so we’re thrilled she’s part of the night.” This statement comes in light of the recent announcement by the Metropolitan Museum of Art that the Bezoses would support next year’s Costume Institute exhibition, alongside secondary sponsors Saint Laurent and Condé Nast.

Controversy Surrounding Sponsorship

The theme for the gala, set for May 4, 2026, is “Costume Art,” which aims to explore the significance of the “dressed body” through the museum’s extensive collection. While the announcement was intended to generate excitement, it was met with immediate backlash on social media. Critics accused the couple of attempting to “buy” cultural legitimacy, with numerous comments expressing disappointment over their sponsorship.

“This is such an iconic theme and it’s so so so sad to see it gutted and trashed by the choice in sponsorship,” one Instagram user remarked. Another commented, “The Metropolitan Museum of Art, SOLD!!! to the highest bidder,” highlighting the strong negative sentiment.

Historically, sponsorship by tech giants is not a new trend for the Costume Institute. Amazon sponsored the event back in 2012, while other notable corporations like TikTok, Instagram, and Apple have also provided funding in previous years. Billionaires Stephen A. Schwarzman and his wife, Christine, supported the 2018 exhibition.

Fashion Engagement and Public Appearances

The Bezoses have been notably active in the fashion scene this year, attending events such as Paris Fashion Week and mingling with high-profile personalities, including the Kardashian-Jenner family. Although Sánchez and Bezos did not attend the 2025 Met Gala due to preparations for their wedding, they made their first public appearance as a couple at the 2024 Met Gala.

In June 2023, Sánchez appeared on a digital cover of Vogue, showcasing her white lace Dolce & Gabbana wedding dress. The couple’s engagement with the fashion industry appears to be part of a broader strategy to enhance their public image in the cultural sphere.

As the 2026 Met Gala approaches, the dialogue surrounding sponsorship, cultural contributions, and public perceptions will likely continue to evolve, reflecting the intersection of wealth, art, and societal values.