New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin was instrumental in the decision to cancel the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition and theme centered on designer John Galliano. Menin told The Post that a campaign to oust Galliano as the event's focus began in late July, prior to the public announcement of the exhibition.
Menin, whose family are Holocaust survivors, described her reaction to the initial proposal of honoring Galliano as one of disbelief and strong opposition. She stated she informed the Metropolitan Museum of Art leadership that she would publicly speak out against the decision. "When they told me they were going to honor John Galliano, my first comment was, ‘That can’t be a final decision.’ I couldn’t believe it," Menin said. "And when they made it clear that they were serious about a John Galliano Met Gala, I said, ‘I strongly disagree with this. I am letting you know that you are being put on notice. I am going to speak out about this. I’m going to push you to reverse course.'"
Menin expressed concern that honoring Galliano, who has made antisemitic remarks, would be "wholly unacceptable" and a "gut punch to the Jewish community." She initiated outreach to Jewish advocacy groups, Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton, and Vogue leadership, including a meeting with Anna Wintour. Menin stated that the Met's position was that they could "contextualize the remarks that John Galliano made," but she argued that "it is a decision to honor and to celebrate, and that’s really where I had a major issue."
Other prominent figures also condemned the planned exhibition. Philanthropist Julie Macklowe called the decision antisemitic and ignorant, referencing accusations of harassment against Jewish women in 2019, which Galliano denied. Trustee Alice Tisch described the show as a "failure of governance" in an email to museum leadership, while City Council member Brad Lander called it a "bad mistake."
New York Fashion Week founder Fern Mallis stated she agreed with the cancellation, noting it was "rewarding to see that when enough people speak their mind they can effect change." Donors like Pace Gallery founder Arne Glimcher reportedly threatened to withdraw support from the museum. Talent executives expressed concern about their clients, particularly Jewish individuals, attending an event honoring Galliano.
Menin also highlighted the city of New York's financial contributions to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stating that city funds should not support someone with a history of alleged bigotry. The City Council provides over $3 million annually for educational programs at the Met, in addition to other city support. "Hate crimes here are unfortunately at a historic high," Menin said, referencing a report on soaring incidents, more than half committed against Jews.
Menin characterized the cancellation as a "victory for the Jewish community," the "Asian community," and "tolerance, inclusion and standing up for the right thing." She noted that her phone had been busy since the cancellation announcement, and that "New Yorkers are thrilled."
In response to the cancellation, Galliano stated he was "saddened" by the decision. He has previously faced significant backlash for making antisemitic remarks, including statements in 2009 about loving Hitler and suggesting Jews should be gassed. The Costume Institute has not made further public statements regarding the exhibition's cancellation.