The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled its planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition celebrating the work of designer John Galliano following significant backlash. Galliano himself announced his decision to withdraw the exhibition, citing the need for it not to take place "at this time."
On Instagram, Galliano shared a statement expressing his gratitude to the museum, including director Max Hollein, curator Andrew Bolton, and Vogue editor Anna Wintour, for the honor of a proposed exhibition. However, he concluded that "after much reflection and discussion with all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time."
The decision comes after reports of internal discord regarding the tribute. According to The New York Times, religious leaders reportedly expressed outrage over the planned homage, and some patrons allegedly threatened to withdraw their financial support.
The controversy stems from antisemitic and racist remarks Galliano made in a 2011 incident at a Paris cafe. Video footage of the event showed the designer making offensive statements, which he later attributed to being heavily intoxicated and unable to recall the encounter. The remarks included phrases such as "I love Hitler" and threats of gassing and death.
Following the viral spread of the footage, Galliano faced widespread condemnation and was dismissed from his position at Dior. He issued an apology at the time for his behavior. Subsequently, Galliano was convicted in France for making racist and antisemitic comments during two separate incidents, leading to the rescission of his Legion of Honor and termination from his own brand.
Galliano spent several years publicly apologizing and engaging with Jewish community figures. His fashion career began a comeback in 2014 with Maison Margiela, a process aided by his close friend Kate Moss, who enlisted him to design her wedding dress.
Adding to the controversy, the scheduled date for the Met Gala, May 3, coincides with Yom HaShoah, the Jewish day of Holocaust remembrance. In an earlier announcement, Anna Wintour had defended the exhibition, suggesting that Galliano's career was not solely defined by the 2011 incident and that the exhibition would address "the darkness in John's past."