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A UK-based activist group behind recent anti-Met Gala protests in New York City has hinted at more actions planned ahead of the high-profile event next week.
The protests began after Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sánchez Bezos, were announced as honorary co-chairs for this year’s Met Gala, following a sizable donation. Bezos, 62, has faced criticism over Amazon’s treatment of warehouse workers and the company’s cloud services used by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Speaking exclusively to The Mirror US, a founder of the Instagram account “EveryoneHatesElon” – who requested to be called Jane for anonymity – explained why the group chose to target the Met Gala. The UK-based activists have already put up protest posters around New York City and recently placed miniature bottles containing a yellow liquid resembling urine around the Metropolitan Museum of Art to highlight the harsh conditions Amazon workers endure.
Jane described the Met Gala as “a really iconic event that everyone talks about for weeks,” making it a prime platform for raising awareness. She expressed satisfaction with the growing public discussion and the spreading calls for a boycott but added that the strong response was not unexpected given widespread frustration with Bezos and Amazon.
The group plans to continue its disruptive actions on May 4. While Jane remained tight-lipped about specifics, she promised the upcoming protests would be “mischievous, cheeky, angry, but also a bit funny,” emphasizing a creative approach to their activism.
Jane did not hold back in explaining the focus on Bezos, pointing out his $75 million payment for the rights to Melania Trump’s documentary as an attempt to gain favor with the former president. “That makes what Trump does possible,” she said. Coupled with allegations of tax avoidance and poor worker treatment, Jane said these factors make Bezos a compelling target for protest.
On April 30, the group’s stunt involved placing tiny bottles featuring a laughing Bezos and the message “Boycott the Bezos Met Gala” around the museum. The bottles contained a harmless yellow liquid symbolizing the claims that Amazon delivery workers have resorted to urinating in bottles during shifts, due to restrictions on breaks and route deviations.
As the Met Gala approaches, activists are ramping up their efforts to spotlight the controversies surrounding one of fashion’s most talked-about nights.