Additional Coverage:
In the lead-up to this year’s Met Gala, which is chaired by Jeff Bezos, an unusual protest has taken center stage inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Over 300 bottles of fake urine have been discreetly placed throughout the museum-not as part of an art exhibit, but as a pointed critique of Amazon’s labor practices, specifically the alleged denial of bathroom breaks to its warehouse workers.
The British activist group Everyone Hates Elon is behind the stunt, aiming to spotlight reports that Amazon employees have been forced to urinate in bottles due to strict time restrictions on restroom use. This protest comes amid growing public backlash against Bezos’ prominent role at the prestigious May 4 event.
Despite Bezos’ vast wealth-estimated at $235 billion-nearly half of Amazon’s American warehouse workers reportedly rely on government assistance programs like food stamps. Everyone Hates Elon’s spokesperson emphasized the stark contrast between Bezos’ lavish lifestyle and the harsh conditions faced by his employees, calling the situation “a complete piss take” and urging for billionaire taxation and democratic reform.
The demonstration uses sealed bottles filled with harmless water, ensuring no mess or damage within the museum. Alongside the bottled protest, the group has plastered New York City’s subway stations and streets with posters accusing Bezos of using the Met Gala to polish his public image while dodging taxes. Some ads also highlight controversial Amazon contracts, including those with ICE, and reference past investigations revealing exploitative working conditions in Amazon warehouses.
Notably, this year’s gala has already seen some departures from tradition. Actress Meryl Streep reportedly declined a co-chair invitation, reportedly uncomfortable with the financial influence wielded by Bezos and his partner Lauren Sánchez. Additionally, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced he would forgo attending the event, breaking a long-standing precedent, citing his opposition to what he calls a “billionaire circus” and his focus on addressing city affordability issues.
Everyone Hates Elon is no stranger to high-profile protests; past stunts include banners at Bezos’ lavish wedding in Venice and provocative displays involving members of the British royal family.
As the Met Gala approaches, this protest underscores the growing tension between celebrity extravagance and concerns over corporate ethics and worker rights.