Aurora James, designer of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s 2021 “Tax the Rich” Met Gala dress, is being sued by event planners who allege they were not paid more than $1 million for a gala she organised. The lawsuit names James and her nonprofit, The 15 Percent Pledge, claiming she directed the project and encouraged the planners to continue working after payments stopped.

The event reportedly cost $1.5 million and was hosted by CNN’s Abby Phillip on 7 February, honouring Tina Knowles and attended by figures including Meghan Markle and Kimora Lee Simmons. The planners allege that James approved additional expenses while promising payment; her nonprofit had not commented at the time of publication. The article also revisits the political debate surrounding Ocasio-Cortez’s dress and its “Tax the Rich” message.