The “Empire” actress says she’s “confused” by people who attend the fashion event, despite being against what its honorary co-chairs support.

Taraji P. Henson blasts celebs attending 2026 Met Gala chaired by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez: ‘Just like wtf’

The "Empire" actress says she's "confused" by people who attend the fashion event, despite being against what its honorary co-chairs support.

By Kathleen Perricone

May 4, 2026 6:23 p.m. ET

Taraji P. Henson; Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez. Credit:

Jenny Anderson/Getty; Kevin Mazur/MG24/Getty

- Taraji P. Henson called out celebrities who attend the Met Gala, which features Jeff Bezos and his wife Lauren Sanchez as honorary co-chairs.

- The *Empire* actress commented on a video posted by influencer Meredith Lynch "warning" celebrities who wear "ICE Out" pins on the red carpet.

- As Lynch noted, the Amazon founder is a "supporter" of President Trump, and therefore, also of ICE activities.

Taraji P. Henson joins the growing list of celebrities who will not be in attendance at the Met Gala on Monday.

The *Empire* actress has been a regular red carpet fixture at the annual fashion event the last few years, but she put her heel down for the 2026 festivities — seemingly due to the honorary chairs: Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez-Bezos.

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Henson endorsed an Instagram video titled "A warning for celebs" posted by influencer Meredith Lynch calling out Met Gala attendees who walk the red carpet wearing "ICE Out" pins. The Amazon founder, noted Lynch, is a supporter of President Trump supporter and, therefore, "part of the reason we're in this f---ing mess."

Taraji P. Henson at the 2025 Met Gala.

Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty

Henson commented with three clapping emojis, adding, "I am so confused by some ppl that are going. I am just like WTF ARE WE DOING!?!?!?!"

Lynch's followers overwhelmingly agreed, giving enough "likes" to make it the top comment.

Bella Hadid also showed her support for Lynch's stance by liking her video. The supermodel and daughter of immigrant parents, has been a vocal opponent of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Bella Hadid at the 2019 Met Gala.

Rabbani and Solimene Photography/WireImage

"This is outrageous, dangerous, horror movie-like- behavior," she captioned a Jan. 25 Instagram video of ICE officers violently clashing with protestors. "What is happening in America right now is unbelievable. It's the only word I can think of to describe this monstrosity."

Perhaps the boldest name to skip this year's Met Gala is Zendaya, whose personal stylist Law Roach confirmed to *ELLE* he will be attending the event without his famous client.

Zendaya at the 2025 Met Gala.

TheStewartofNY/GC Images

"It's one of the first times in my career that going to the Met is about me," he told the magazine.

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Source: “EW Met”