The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel an upcoming exhibition dedicated to British designer John Galliano following widespread criticism from the Jewish community and beyond due to his history of making antisemitic and racist remarks.
In a statement released on Monday, the New York museum announced that the exhibit, originally slated to be the centerpiece of the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show kicking off the annual Met Gala, will be replaced by another exhibition to be revealed at a later date.
Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated, “After engaging in thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have mutually agreed to not move forward with the exhibition.”
In his own remarks within the statement, Galliano expressed regret, stating, “After careful consideration and dialogue with The Met and all involved parties, I have reluctantly decided that it is best to cancel the exhibition at this time. I take full responsibility for the pain my past words have caused, especially the harm inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities, and I deeply apologize for it.”
Once a prominent figure in the fashion industry known for his extravagant designs, Galliano faced a downfall in 2010 and 2011 when a series of racist and antisemitic comments surfaced, leading to his dismissal as creative director of Christian Dior and subsequent conviction in an antisemitism trial in France.
Following his departure from Dior, Galliano dedicated several years to public and private endeavors aimed at rehabilitation. He staged a comeback in 2014 by joining Paris fashion house Maison Margiela, where he remained for ten years.
Originally set to be the third living designer to be featured in a solo exhibition at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s exhibit cancellation comes ahead of the highly anticipated annual Met Gala, a significant event in the fashion world overseen by Anna Wintour, the global editorial director of Vogue and a prominent figure in the industry who has long supported Galliano.
The museum had engaged with leaders from the Jewish community before announcing the exhibition, hoping to preempt backlash, but the decision was met with increased criticism. Among the vocal opponents of the exhibit was New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who welcomed the cancellation, stating, “I am pleased that The Met has decided not to honor John Galliano. I have consistently voiced my strong disagreement with this choice, especially given the current climate of rising antisemitism. This decision is the right one, as the harm and distress caused by this exhibition were simply intolerable.”