Anna Wintour, the influential force behind the Met Gala, has publicly addressed the swift online backlash following the announcement that Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez, will be key sponsors for the prestigious event.
Wintour's Firm Defence
In a statement to CNN on Monday, Wintour did not shy away from the controversy. She came to the defence of the couple, specifically highlighting Lauren Sanchez's potential contributions. "I think Lauren is going to be a wonderful asset to the museum and to the event," Wintour stated. She expressed her gratitude for Sanchez's "incredible generosity" and emphasized her credentials as a "great lover of costume and obviously of fashion." Wintour concluded, "We're thrilled she's part of the night."
This show of support comes despite Wintour stepping down as Vogue's editor-in-chief earlier this year. She continues to helm the Met Gala in her current role as Condé Nast's chief content officer.
The Spark of Controversy
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute revealed the sponsors and this year's theme, "Costume Art," on Instagram last week. The revelation that one of the world's wealthiest men and his partner were backing the event triggered immediate criticism on social media platforms.
One critical comment on the Instagram post captured the sentiment of many, calling it a case of "Billionaires propping up other billionaires for their fancy party." This highlights the public tension surrounding extreme wealth and its display at exclusive, high-profile events.
The Gala's Purpose and the Couple's History
The Met Gala serves as the primary fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute. The institute relies heavily on large private donors and corporate sponsorships to operate. While major fashion houses like Louis Vuitton, which sponsored the 2024 gala, are typical backers, individual benefactors are not uncommon.
Bezos and Sanchez made their debut as a public couple at the 2024 Met Gala. They opted to skip the 2025 festivities, reportedly to focus on planning their wedding. Their return as lead sponsors marks a significant and now contentious evolution in their relationship with the iconic fashion event.
