The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition honoring British designer John Galliano due to widespread criticism from the Jewish community and beyond over Galliano’s previous antisemitic and racist remarks. The exhibit, originally set to be the centerpiece of the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show and the annual Met Gala, will now be replaced by a different exhibition, the museum announced on Monday.
In a statement, Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated that after careful deliberation with John Galliano, both parties mutually agreed to not move forward with the exhibition. Galliano also expressed regret, acknowledging the pain caused by his past statements and apologizing particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities.
Known for his extravagant designs, Galliano faced backlash in 2010 and 2011 for making racist and antisemitic comments, leading to his dismissal as creative director of Christian Dior and a subsequent conviction in France. Despite his fall from grace, Galliano underwent efforts to rehabilitate his image and eventually found a new role at Maison Margiela in 2014, where he worked for a decade.
Originally slated to be the third living designer to have a solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute, Galliano’s exhibition was highly anticipated in the fashion world. The annual Met Gala, overseen by influential figure Anna Wintour, marks the start of the spring season and is a prominent event in the fashion industry.
Prior to the exhibit announcement, the museum engaged with Jewish community leaders to address concerns about potential backlash. However, the decision still faced strong opposition, with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin among those voicing disapproval. Menin commended the museum’s choice to cancel the show, emphasizing the inappropriateness of honoring Galliano given the current climate of rising antisemitism.