Museum leaders and major donors convened a virtual meeting to address the controversy surrounding the decision to honor designer John Galliano, admitting that the selection process was flawed and the choice was a mistake. The discussion, which included Met CEO Max Hollein and board co-chair Tony James, acknowledged that more input should have been sought regarding the selection of Galliano, who has a history of making antisemitic remarks.
During the hour-long Zoom session, museum officials reportedly stated that "the process did not work and they made the wrong decision." James is said to have conceded that, in retrospect, Galliano was an inappropriate choice given current concerns about rising antisemitism. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, an ex officio trustee, also reportedly voiced her opposition to the decision during the meeting.
While acknowledging the misstep regarding the 2027 gala, Met executives and some trustees did not assign blame to Anna Wintour, the editor-in-chief of Vogue and a key figure behind the Met Gala. Sources indicated that Wintour's support for Galliano remained, and museum leadership was grateful that the designer ultimately withdrew his participation.
Galliano, who was previously dismissed from Dior in 2011 after making antisemitic statements, had been slated to be honored at the Met Gala and featured in a costume exhibit. He announced his withdrawal from these events shortly before the meeting with donors. He has previously apologized for his past remarks, attributing them to substance abuse, and has reportedly sought to mend relationships with some Jewish leaders. However, recent accounts from a fashion publicist claim another antisemitic encounter with Galliano in 2019, which he has denied.
No decision has been made regarding an alternative theme for the gala or exhibit. The meeting also reportedly involved broader discussions about the Met's core values. One donor, Alice Tisch, expressed concern not only about the choice of Galliano but also about the museum's governance, suggesting that such decisions should stem from curatorial processes rather than individual donor influence. Tisch noted the significant Jewish representation among the museum's major donors and historical collections, questioning how honoring Galliano would be perceived in that context.