Scores of pro-Palestinian protesters were met with resistance from the police as they attempted to approach the prestigious Met Gala in New York City. The annual event, known for its exclusivity and star-studded guest list, was shielded from the demonstrators who were demanding divestment from Israel and a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Videos on social media and television reports captured the moment when the protesters, chanting and calling for action, were intercepted by the NYPD near the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Despite attempts to skirt the police by going through Central Park, the demonstrators were met with barricades and threats of arrest.
The Met Gala, attended by billionaires, celebrities, and influencers, is a symbol of American wealth and power, with tickets costing a hefty $75,000 each. This year’s attendees included notable figures like Jeff Bezos, Kim Kardashian, and Serena Williams.
The protest comes amidst a wave of demonstrations on American campuses in support of Palestine and against the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The tension escalated as Columbia University in New York canceled its main commencement ceremony due to protests, and Hamas and Israel failed to reach a cease-fire agreement in Gaza.
While the Met Gala is typically a night of glitz and glamour, it has also become a platform for social activism. In 2021, Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez made a statement with her “TAX THE RICH” dress, and this year’s event is no exception, with the backdrop of global conflict and social unrest shaping the narrative of the evening.