The Met Gala 2026 may be fashion’s biggest night, but not every look is landing with fans, especially when it comes to some of the event’s most high-profile names. Co-chair Nicole Kidman, along with Lauren Sánchez, is facing criticism online as viewers weigh in on their red carpet appearances.
With this year’s dress code, “Fashion Is Art,” encouraging bold, creative interpretations, expectations were sky-high, especially for those leading the event. But not everyone was impressed.
Social media quickly lit up with criticism, with one user writing, “Horrible for co-chairs to be non-theme,” while another added, “Incredibly disappointed in Nicole.” The comments add to the growing frustration from fans who expect co-chairs to set the tone for the night, not miss the mark.
Nicole Kidman Brings Old Hollywood Glam While Lauren Sánchez Channels Iconic ‘Madame X’
Nicole Kidman leaned into timeless elegance for the Met Gala 2026, stepping out in a striking deep red gown. Styled by Jason Bolden, the look featured a drop-waisted silhouette covered in shimmering sequins, complete with feathered trim that added to the look. The rich red hue served as an ode to both romance and New York City itself, making a bold statement on the carpet.
Meanwhile, Lauren Sánchez leaned into art history for her Met Gala 2026 appearance, wearing a gown inspired by one of the most famous paintings housed inside the museum itself. Her look referenced Madame X, the striking 1883 portrait by John Singer Sargent that famously stirred controversy in its time.
The original painting depicted French socialite Madame Pierre Gautreau in a sleek black gown, with one strap slipping off her shoulder, a detail that caused such backlash that Sargent later repainted the strap into place. The scandal surrounding the portrait was so intense that the artist reportedly hid the work for decades before eventually selling it to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Lauren Sánchez’s Met Gala Role Under Fire As Bezos Ties Fuel Ongoing Controversy
Much of the conversation is also tied to Lauren Sánchez’s involvement in the event overall. As an honorary co-chair alongside Jeff Bezos, Sánchez has already been at the center of controversy leading up to the Met Gala, with critics questioning the couple’s influence over one of fashion’s most prestigious fundraisers. That scrutiny has only intensified now that the red carpet looks are being dissected in real time.
Protests Escalate As Bezos Involvement Sparks ‘Pee Bottle’ Stunt In NYC
The controversy surrounding Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez’s involvement in the Met Gala 2026 isn’t just playing out online; it’s now spilling into the streets of New York City.
According to reports, activists with the group Everyone Hates Elon staged a headline-grabbing protest by leaving approximately 300 bottles of fake urine around the Metropolitan Museum of Art in an effort to call attention to Bezos’ role as an honorary co-chair.
The stunt is part of a broader anti-Bezos campaign that has been gaining traction across the city, with “boycott the Bezos Met Gala” messaging appearing on posters, signage, and even projected onto buildings.
Bezos And Sánchez Take Center Stage As Sponsors And Honorary Chairs
This year, Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sánchez aren’t just attending the Met Gala 2026; they’re helping shape it. The couple is serving as both the event’s primary sponsors and honorary co-chairs, marking a major role in one of fashion’s most exclusive nights. This isn’t Bezos’ first connection to the gala, either. He previously served as an honorary chair in 2012, when Amazon was also involved as a sponsor.
Since tying the knot in Italy last year, the pair has become increasingly visible in fashion circles, with Sánchez in particular embracing the industry. In addition to her growing fashion presence, she also serves as vice chair of the Bezos Earth Fund.
While a spokesperson for the couple declined to comment on the recent protests, Anna Wintour has previously praised Sánchez’s passion for fashion. “We’re very grateful for her incredible generosity, so we’re thrilled she’s part of the night,” Wintour said, also calling her a “great lover of costume and obviously of fashion.”
As the night unfolds, their prominent role continues to spark both admiration and controversy, putting them firmly at the center of the Met Gala conversation.
