Anna Wintour was seen looking downcast at the U.S. Open on Monday, hours after designer John Galliano announced his withdrawal from the 2027 Met Gala. The former Vogue editor, 76, attended the match between Ben Shelton and Tallon Griekspoor, dressed in a green and white button-up dress, sunglasses, and her signature bob.
Galliano's decision to pull out of the prestigious event came after intense criticism regarding his past antisemitic and racist remarks made in 2011. The designer, 65, stated on Instagram that he did not want the controversy surrounding him to create difficulties for the Met or detract from the Costume Institute's work, acknowledging that an exhibition honoring him would be painful for some.
He reiterated his apology for the pain caused by his past statements, particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities. Wintour, who has chaired the Met Gala since 1995, issued a statement supporting Galliano's decision, calling it "courageous." She added that she believed it was the right choice and that both Galliano and the Metropolitan Museum of Art had her full support.
However, Wintour is reportedly facing internal repercussions for her continued support of Galliano, even after his 2011 controversies. Sources within Condé Nast described the situation as a "tone-deaf moment" and questioned her judgment. Insiders also suggested that employees were "mortified by how this was handled," as concerns were raised but not directly challenged due to Wintour's influence.