John Galliano has canceled his planned Met Gala exhibition, citing "great sadness" and the need for reflection. The announcement came after significant backlash and donor concerns regarding the designer's past antisemitic remarks, which resurfaced following the exhibition's announcement.
Galliano, once the celebrated creative director of Dior, was dismissed in 2011 after videos emerged of him making racist and antisemitic slurs. In the disturbing footage, he was heard telling a Jewish woman that her family should have been "gassed" and referring to another person as a "f***ing Asian bastard." Following his dismissal, Galliano underwent treatment and embarked on a public apology tour, seeking to make amends within the Jewish community and the fashion industry.
By 2014, Galliano had gained favor with organizations like the Anti-Defamation League and secured a new role as head of Maison Martin Margiela. His designs have since been worn by celebrities such as Zendaya and Kim Kardashian, and vintage Dior pieces from his era have seen increased value in the resale market.
However, reports of alleged continued antisemitic behavior have persisted. A woman claimed this past summer that Galliano reacted negatively upon hearing her speak Hebrew in public, a charge he denied. The announcement of his Met Gala retrospective last month sparked renewed fury among designers and patrons.
"I am APPALLED," stated television producer and writer Jill Kargman, who announced she would not purchase a ticket for this year's fundraising event. "I guess antisemitism is OK now at the highest art museum."
A report indicated that major donors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art had also threatened to withdraw their financial support. Adding to the controversy, the Met Gala was scheduled for May 3, coinciding with Yom HaShoah, the day of remembrance for Holocaust victims. Discussions were reportedly ongoing about potentially moving the date of the event itself.