Anna Wintour, the influential figure in the fashion world and former editor of Vogue, is facing significant criticism for selecting designer John Galliano as the focus of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's 2027 Costume Institute show. Critics argue that honoring Galliano, who was found guilty in France in 2011 for making antisemitic and racist remarks, sends a message that such behavior is acceptable.
Galliano was involved in incidents in 2011 where he was recorded making antisemitic statements. In one instance, he reportedly said, "I love Hitler, and people like you would be dead today." He also allegedly made derogatory remarks about Jewish people, including using antisemitic slurs. Following the public outcry and the release of video evidence, Galliano was dismissed from his role as creative director at Christian Dior and subsequently entered rehabilitation.
Despite these past actions, Wintour stated that Galliano is "no one more deserving" of the exhibition. She defended the decision by suggesting that his career should not be defined by one moment and that the exhibition would address the "darkness in John’s past" as part of his life's arc. However, critics contend that this approach amounts to an "image rehab" and a celebration of hate speech, particularly given the timing and the platform of the Met Gala, one of New York's most prominent cultural events.
Concerns have been amplified by recent statistics indicating a rise in hate crimes, with approximately half of those reported in New York City in 2026 being directed at Jewish New Yorkers. Critics argue that honoring Galliano contradicts the broader societal discourse on inclusion and the consequences of hate speech that has been prominent in recent years.
Wintour and Andrew Bolton, the head of the Met Costume Institute, reportedly met with influential rabbis and Jewish leaders in New York to discuss potential issues and solicit opinions on the planned exhibition. This move has also drawn scrutiny, with some suggesting it seeks a "blessing" for a controversial decision.
Galliano's past has been a point of contention before. Two years after the 2011 incidents, he had a residency with Oscar de la Renta, a move reportedly facilitated with Wintour's involvement. Critics distinguish between forgiveness and celebration, arguing that a major public event like the Met Gala is not the appropriate venue to honor someone with Galliano's history of hate speech.