The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition dedicated to British designer John Galliano due to significant backlash surrounding his past antisemitic and racist remarks. The exhibit, originally slated for the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show, which serves as the launch event for the annual Met Gala, will be replaced by an alternative exhibition, as confirmed by the museum on Monday.
Max Hollein, the director and CEO of the museum, revealed that after thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, both parties agreed to halt the exhibition. Galliano expressed regret in a joint statement, acknowledging the pain caused by his previous offensive comments and expressing deep remorse for the harm inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities.
Once a prominent figure in the fashion industry known for his bold designs, Galliano faced repercussions for his racist and antisemitic remarks in 2010 and 2011, leading to his dismissal as the creative director of Christian Dior and subsequent conviction in a French antisemitism trial. Following his departure from Dior, Galliano underwent a period of rehabilitation, returning to the fashion scene in 2014 with Maison Margiela.
Originally set to be the third living designer to receive a solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s exhibition was highly anticipated. The Met Gala, overseen by influential fashion figure Anna Wintour, marks the beginning of the spring season and is a prominent event in the fashion industry.
Despite efforts to preempt backlash by consulting with Jewish community leaders, the announcement of Galliano’s exhibition sparked further controversy. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a vocal critic of the exhibit, commended the museum’s decision to cancel, emphasizing the insensitivity of honoring Galliano amidst rising antisemitism concerns.
