The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition dedicated to British designer John Galliano due to significant backlash from the Jewish community and beyond over the designer’s previous antisemitic and racist remarks.
In an announcement made on Monday, the New York museum revealed that the exhibit, originally slated to be the centerpiece of the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show and kick off the annual Met Gala, will be substituted with a different showcase to be disclosed later.
Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated, “Following thoughtful deliberations with John Galliano, we have mutually agreed to halt the exhibition.” Galliano also expressed his sentiments, mentioning, “After careful consideration and consultations with The Met and all involved parties, I have sadly concluded that it is best to forego the exhibition at this time. I take full responsibility for the harm caused by my past words, especially the pain inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities, and I express deep regret for it.”
Galliano, renowned for his bold fashion designs, faced a downfall in his career when his offensive comments from 2010 and 2011 came to light, resulting in his dismissal as the creative director of Christian Dior and a subsequent conviction in an antisemitism trial in France.
After his departure from Dior, Galliano dedicated several years to rehabilitation efforts, ultimately making a comeback in 2014 when he was appointed by Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela, where he held a position for ten years.
The cancellation of the exhibit marked a significant turn of events as Galliano was set to be only the third living designer to have a solo exhibition at the Met’s Costume Institute, a prestigious honor in the fashion industry.
The Met Gala, which inaugurates the spring season and is a prominent event in the fashion world, is overseen by Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue and a highly influential figure in fashion, who has been a longstanding supporter of Galliano.
Prior to the announcement of the exhibition, the museum engaged in discussions with leaders from the Jewish community in an attempt to mitigate potential backlash. However, the opposition continued to grow, with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin emerging as a prominent critic of the planned exhibition. Menin welcomed the decision to cancel the exhibit, emphasizing the inappropriateness of honoring Galliano amidst the current climate of rising antisemitism.