Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), urged museum officials to cancel the 2027 Gala's planned theme honoring fashion designer John Galliano during a recent meeting. The gathering, which included Max Hollein, CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and at least one Met board member, aimed to address concerns surrounding the theme.
Sources described Greenblatt as one of the "loud voices from the Jewish community" advocating for the reversal of the decision. Another source stated that Greenblatt was "pushing [them] to make the right decision."
Earlier, fashion designer John Galliano announced his withdrawal from being honored at the upcoming Anna Wintour-helmed ball, citing a desire to prevent controversy from overshadowing the Costume Institute's work. Galliano acknowledged the pain his past remarks may have caused, particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities, and expressed his regret.
In 2010 and 2011, Galliano made antisemitic and racist remarks in Paris, for which he was later convicted and fined. The planned exhibition, "John Galliano: Horizons," was set to coincide with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day.
Reports indicated that Met trustees and board members were actively managing the situation, with donors reportedly threatening to withdraw financial support. Anna Wintour, a key figure in organizing the event, commended Galliano's decision as "courageous" and the "right decision."
The Metropolitan Museum of Art stated that details for a new exhibition would be announced at a later date. Antisemitic hate crimes have been a persistent issue in New York City, disproportionately affecting reported hate crime statistics.