Entertainment News3 min(s) read
Published 12:40 05 May 2026 GMT
Sarah Paulson has been the subject of criticism following her controversial choice of outfit for Monday’s Met Gala.
The American Horror Story star stepped out at showbiz’s most talked about events, offering her interpretation of this year’s theme, “Costume Art,” which invited guests to explore “the centrality of the dressed body” through fashion inspired by the human form.
There were some truly spectacular fits on display at the fashion industry’s biggest, most exclusive event, but Paulson’s was one that truly stood out.
Paulson, 51, has built a reputation for bold, avant-garde red carpet looks over the years, but this time, her outfit has proved divisive, with some critics branding it “out of touch.”
She appeared to be making a statement about wealth inequality. She wore a red-grey tulle ball gown from Matières Fécales’ Fall 2026 collection, paired with white opera gloves and a one-dollar bill taped across her eyes.
Speaking to reporters, Paulson said the look was titled “The One Per Cent”, a reference to the ultra-wealthy, including figures like Jeff Bezos.
Some interpreted the outfit as a subtle dig at Bezos’ presence, especially after it was revealed he and Lauren Sanchez had donated heavily to the event and were serving as honorary co-chairs.
While some praised the intent, others questioned the message—pointing out that the actress was still attending one of the world’s most exclusive (and expensive) events.
One critic wrote: “Yeah… I have ZERO respect for anyone showing up to this in 'protest'. Your presence is validation that you have never and will never ride for the ‘working class and poor’. Full stop. You are inauthentic, out of touch and are the 1%…”
Others highlighted the reported $100,000 ticket price, with one person saying: “It's so funny when celebs think they're making some grand statement but end up just looking painfully out of touch.”
A further comment read: “I mean, if she wanted to actually protest the event, she could've gone to the alternative anti-Bezos protest event instead, but no, she had to go to the big gala wearing a dollar bill on her face, so you know she's 'one of the good ones’.”
Another critic joked: “She had another 99% to work with if she wanted to make a point, but she chose to wear the 1% that everyone else was already wearing.”
Others were even more blunt, writing: “This isn’t giving what she thought it did. You can’t really make a point about distribution of wealth while actively attending the Bezos Met Gala,” and simply: “It’s called being tone deaf.”
The Met Gala also serves as the launch for the Costume Institute’s annual exhibition, with the theme closely tied to the showcase.
This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” focuses on the relationship between fashion and traditional art, pairing clothing with paintings and sculptures to explore “the centrality of the dressed body.”
The dress code—“Fashion is Art”—was intentionally open-ended. As British Vogue explains, it “encourages attendees to consider the many ways that designers use the body as their blank canvas.”
