John Galliano exhibition at New York Met cancelled after backlash

John Galliano's planned exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has been canceled following public outcry. The designer acknowledged that "an exhibition honoring my work would be painful for some."

The "John Galliano: Horizons" exhibition, slated to open in May 2027, was called off after criticism arose concerning Galliano's past conviction for antisemitic remarks. On Monday, Galliano stated, "After much reflection and discussion with the Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time."

The British designer was dismissed from his role as creative director at Dior in 2011 after being found guilty of verbally abusing a Jewish curator at a Paris restaurant. A court also heard that he directed racist insults at her friend, who is of South Asian descent, and, in a separate incident, expressed admiration for Hitler. At the time, Galliano apologized, with his lawyer attributing his behavior to "work-related stress and multiple addictions."

In his Monday statement, Galliano affirmed, "I remain fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, and I remain deeply sorry for it." He added, "I understand that meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture. It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one's conduct over time." Galliano also expressed his desire not to "distract from the remarkable work" of the Met's Costume Institute, acknowledging that "an exhibition honoring my work would be painful for some." His statement also highlighted his "15 years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction."

Beyond the exhibition, Galliano and his fashion contributions were intended to be the theme for the upcoming Met Gala, scheduled for May 3, which coincides with Yom HaShoah (Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day).

Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director, a Met trustee, and co-chair of the Met Gala, voiced her continued support for Galliano on Monday. "John's decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is," she said. "I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support."

Previously, others had voiced strong opposition to the Met's plans to honor Galliano. Julie Menin, a New York City Council speaker, stated, "After my numerous and lengthy meetings and conversations with the Met, I am pleased that they have agreed to not honour John Galliano. From the beginning, I have told them that I strongly disagreed with this decision, and at this rising time of antisemitism, it had served as a gut punch to the Jewish community. This is the correct decision, as the harm and pain this was causing was simply unacceptable."

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, which combats antisemitism, called honoring Galliano "misguided" given that antisemitism is at "crisis levels." He added, "Even Galliano ultimately recognised what the Met should have done from the start. This was the wrong move at the wrong moment. Timing matters."

Galliano, considered by some to be among the most influential fashion designers, re-entered the fashion industry after his conviction, serving as creative director for Margiela for a decade until 2024.