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 regarding Galliano’s history of making antisemitic and racist remarks. The museum announced on Monday that the exhibit, originally scheduled as the centerpiece of the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show and the annual Met Gala, will be replaced by a different exhibition to be revealed later.
In a statement, Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, disclosed that after deliberations with John Galliano, they mutually agreed not to proceed with the exhibition. Galliano expressed regret, stating, “After careful consideration and dialogue with The Met and all involved parties, I have decided, with deep sadness, that it is best to cancel the exhibition at this time. I take full responsibility for the pain caused by my past words, particularly the harm inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities, and I sincerely apologize for it.”
Once celebrated as a prominent figure in the fashion industry for his bold designs, Galliano faced repercussions when his racist and antisemitic comments from 2010 and 2011 were exposed, resulting in his dismissal as the creative director of Christian Dior and a conviction in an antisemitism trial in France. Following his departure from Dior, Galliano dedicated several years to rehabilitation efforts before reemerging in 2014 at Maison Margiela, where he held a position for a decade.
The cancellation of the exhibit is significant as Galliano was slated to be only the third living designer to have a solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute, traditionally inaugurated by the renowned Met Gala, a highly anticipated event in the fashion industry overseen by Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director and a prominent figure in fashion circles who has been a long-time supporter of Galliano.
Despite consulting with Jewish community leaders beforehand to mitigate backlash, the museum faced escalating criticism, with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin being a vocal opponent of the planned exhibition. Menin commended The Met’s decision to cancel, stating, “I am pleased that they have chosen not to honor John Galliano. I have consistently expressed my strong disagreement with this choice, especially given the current rise in antisemitism, which had deeply affected the Jewish community. Canceling the exhibition was the right decision to prevent further harm and distress.”