The Met Gala on Monday night was not only a showcase of stars and fashion, but also a site of protests surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Small groups of protesters gathered with signs denouncing the gala while bombs were dropping in Gaza, as well as chanting and waving Palestinian flags. The New York Police Department created barricades to separate the protesters from the event, making arrests nearby as the red carpet arrivals began. However, some bystanders believed the gala should remain focused on the event itself rather than the protests.
Counterprotests also took place, with individuals like Mark J. Levy standing draped in an Israeli flag in opposition to the Gaza-related protests. Some felt that the gala was not the appropriate place for these demonstrations, while others like Cinthia Andrade supported the right to protest peacefully but expressed concerns about potential dangers. A young designer named Batoul al-Rashdan remained confident that the police presence would prevent the protests from disrupting the event, staging a photo shoot showcasing her clothing designs against the backdrop of the gala.
The influx of people and police presence in the area resulted in limited sidewalk space, with tensions rising as passersby made comments about the protests being antisemitic and anti-American. However, protesters like Alice Farley held their ground, carrying signs calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. The mix of people in the area, including a man wearing a kaffiyeh and shouting at those focused on the celebrities, highlighted the diverse opinions and reactions to the protests surrounding the Met Gala.
Later in the evening, a larger group of protesters made their way south on Park Avenue, with signs denouncing the Met Gala’s celebrations while violence continued in Gaza. The streets around the museum quieted down by 10 p.m., though police barricades remained in place. Kirsten Agresta, a harpist who had played during the gala, waited at a barricade for her ride home, marking the end of the evening’s events and protests. The night showcased a clash between the glamour of the Met Gala and the reality of global conflicts, with protesters using the event as a platform to raise awareness and call for change amidst the glitz and glamour.
