New York, NY - Chaos briefly pierced the rarefied atmosphere of the Met Gala on Monday evening when a protester, widely identified as Amazon Labor Union president Chris Smalls, was arrested outside the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The incident occurred during demonstrations targeting the event's sponsorship by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos and his partner, Lauren Sánchez.
The arrest unfolded as Smalls reportedly circumvented security barriers, with video footage capturing him being tackled by NYPD officers. While the New York Police Department confirmed a 37-year-old male was taken into custody for allegedly jumping a barricade, they withheld official confirmation of his identity. Charges are pending further review.
The protest and subsequent arrest highlight escalating tensions surrounding labor practices at Amazon, particularly in light of the company's prominent role in this year's Met Gala. The Amazon Labor Union – IBT Local 1, which Smalls co-founded, organized a counter-event titled 'A Ball Without Billionaires' to draw attention to worker grievances.
Read More: Met Gala 2026: Stars Absent, Theme Confusing
"While Jeff Bezos plays host to elite spaces like the Met Gala, Amazon workers are still fighting for basic safety, dignity, and a union contract," a statement from the group declared. This action amplifies ongoing unionization efforts at Amazon facilities nationwide.
The backlash against Bezos' sponsorship predated the event itself, with activists employing tactics such as projecting critical messages onto buildings and displaying signs condemning billionaires and Amazon's business conduct. Reports suggest concerns raised include worker exploitation, tax avoidance, and alleged complicity in actions impacting the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and representatives for Jeff Bezos have not yet issued official statements regarding the protest or Smalls' detention. This year's gala has seen notable absences, including Meryl Streep, who was previously slated to co-chair, fueling speculation about potential disquiet surrounding the event's affiliations.
Read More: Kendall Jenner's Transparent Gown at Met Gala 2026 Causes Buzz
The National Labor Relations Board had previously ordered Amazon last month to recognize and bargain with the Amazon Labor Union, following extensive legal disputes. Smalls himself has been a vocal critic of wealth inequality, previously stating, "Billionaires shouldn't exist."
The timing of Smalls' arrest coincided with the height of the Met Gala's fashion spectacle, where celebrities were photographed on the red carpet, creating a stark juxtaposition between the event's opulence and the labor dispute playing out just outside its doors.
