The upcoming Met Gala has come under fire from activists, who staged a provocative protest just days prior to the event.
A video released on May 2 by the social media account Everyone Hates Elon shows individuals placing small bottles around the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The group claims these bottles, filled with water and food coloring, symbolize allegations that Amazon employees were compelled to urinate in bottles due to stringent productivity expectations—claims that Amazon has denied.
This demonstration specifically targeted Jeff Bezos, the founder of Amazon, who, along with his wife Lauren Sánchez, is an honorary chair and primary sponsor of this year’s Met Gala and its related exhibition.
In a message accompanying the video, the group stated, “Jeff Bezos, the Amazon founder and oligarch, has just concluded his pre-party for the Met Gala in his penthouse and is gearing up for the main event.” They continued, “We refuse to allow him to utilize celebrity and fashion as a shield for his actions. We are here to bring those actions to light.”
Additionally, baskets containing empty bottles were reportedly placed outside the museum, encouraging bystanders to engage with them. This was intended as a stark visual protest against alleged working conditions in Amazon’s warehouses, as noted by the New York Post.
Security personnel quickly recognized and removed the items, ensuring that the protest did not interfere with museum operations or visitor experiences, according to a spokesperson cited by USA TODAY.
Reactions to the protest on social media have varied widely. One Instagram user remarked, “People are fed up with the Met Gala; it’s lost its meaning.” Another praised the action, saying, “This is peak activism at its finest.” A third user commented, “The trolling is perfection.” Meanwhile, a fourth suggested, “The best way to protest is simply to stop ordering from Amazon; that would be the most effective approach…”
Note: This article is based on social media content and public protests that have not been independently verified and is provided solely for informational purposes. The views and actions described do not imply endorsement, and readers are encouraged to consult official sources for verification of claims concerning corporate practices.
