Lisa Ann Walter has publicly criticised Jeff Bezos during a protest in New York City, taking aim at his involvement in the 2026 Met Gala.
Speaking at the “Labor Is Art” protest as the Met Gala 2026 got underway, the actress accused Bezos of shifting the focus of the high profile fashion event toward himself.
“How did an event that’s supposed to celebrate creativity, artistry and fabulousness in all genders end up revolving around this Temu Lex Luthor, who profits off of pushing working people to their very brink?” she said.
Walter went further, criticising what she described as the growing influence of wealthy figures over cultural spaces. She said the Met Gala had become “a vessel for one man’s ego,” adding, “Now, I’ve been to some awkward parties, but that is next level. I mean, it’s really just sad. The man thinks he can buy cool.”
The criticism comes as Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, serve as honorary chairs and lead sponsors of this year’s event, held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The Met Gala remains one of the biggest nights in fashion, with major figures including Beyoncé, Nicole Kidman, Venus Williams and Anna Wintour listed as co chairs for the 2026 edition, themed “Fashion is Art.”
Despite the glamour surrounding the event, Walter’s remarks highlight ongoing debates about wealth, influence and the role of corporate figures in shaping cultural platforms.