The 2026 Met Gala has come under criticism from animal rights activists after several high-profile attendees showcased feather-heavy outfits on fashion’s biggest night.
At the event held on Monday, May 4, celebrities including Beyoncé, Sam Smith and Nicole Kidman appeared in elaborate feathered designs on the red carpet, with feathers emerging as one of the dominant fashion trends of the evening.
However, the use of real feathers drew strong backlash from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), which accused celebrities and designers of contributing to animal cruelty. In a statement shared on social media, the organisation claimed that birds are killed or violently exploited for the fashion industry rather than naturally shedding feathers.
PETA specifically highlighted Beyoncé’s feathered cape, alleging that the outfit may have involved thousands of feathers, and argued that multiple birds could have been affected in its production. The group also criticised several other public figures, including Anna Wintour, Lena Dunham, Gwendoline Christie and Naomi Osaka, for wearing animal-derived materials.
At the same time, the organisation praised attendees who opted for cruelty-free or animal-inspired designs, including Adut Akech, Yu Chi Lyra Kuo, Kendall Jenner, and Anne Hathaway, describing their looks as ethical alternatives to animal-based fashion.
PETA further renewed its call for fashion events to eliminate the use of feathers entirely, arguing that innovation in design should not come at the expense of animal lives.
The controversy adds to ongoing debates within the global fashion industry over ethical sourcing, sustainability, and the use of animal products in high-end couture events.