The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition dedicated to British designer John Galliano due to widespread criticism within the Jewish community and beyond over the designer’s history of making antisemitic and racist remarks.
On Monday, the New York museum announced that the exhibit, originally slated to be the centerpiece of the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show and the annual Met Gala, will no longer proceed. The museum’s director and CEO, Max Hollein, revealed that after discussions with John Galliano, they mutually agreed to scrap the exhibition.
In a joint statement, Galliano expressed regret, acknowledging the pain caused by his past statements and apologizing specifically to the Jewish and Asian communities. Despite his renowned talent in the fashion industry, Galliano faced repercussions in 2010 and 2011 for racist and antisemitic comments, leading to his dismissal from Christian Dior and subsequent legal troubles in France.
Following his departure from Dior, Galliano dedicated years to rehabilitation efforts before returning to the fashion scene in 2014 with Maison Margiela. The Met’s Costume Institute had planned to feature Galliano as only the third living designer to have a solo show.
The Met Gala, a prominent event in the fashion world overseen by influential figures like Anna Wintour, had initially faced backlash from various groups, including the Jewish community. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a vocal critic of the exhibition, welcomed the museum’s decision to cancel the show, emphasizing the importance of avoiding harm and offense during a time of rising antisemitism.
