New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin has publicly urged the Metropolitan Museum of Art to reconsider its decision to honor designer John Galliano at its 2027 Met Gala. Menin, who is Jewish, described the plan as a "serious mistake" in a letter addressed to Met trustee Anna Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director, and other museum officials.
Menin's strong opposition stems from Galliano's past antisemitic and racist remarks. In 2011, Galliano was convicted of a hate crime for uttering antisemitic slurs and expressing admiration for Hitler in a drunken incident that led to his dismissal from Dior. Menin highlighted concerns about a reported 2019 incident involving an antisemitic rant that was allegedly not investigated.
"In a time of rampant anti-Semitism in our city, I believe honoring John Galliano is a serious mistake," Menin stated, adding that honoring someone with a history of such behavior "only serves to fan the flames of hate and sends the message of a normalization of this type of conduct."
The planned exhibit, titled "John Galliano: Horizons," is scheduled to be on view at the Met for nine months, kicking off with the Met Gala fundraiser in May 2027. This timing is particularly sensitive, as it falls on Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day.
Galliano has previously apologized for his conduct, attributing it to struggles with alcoholism and drug addiction. Following a hiatus and rehabilitation, he returned to fashion in 2014 as creative director for Maison Margiela.
Activists from organizations like End Jew Hatred and Havura have also criticized the Met's decision. Brooke Goldstein, founder of End Jew Hatred, questioned the museum's choice to support Galliano's "rehabilitation," while Eitan Guttenmacher of Havura suggested that antisemitism is sometimes overlooked in the fashion industry.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, in a statement to The New York Times, asserted that "The Met has no tolerance for antisemitism, racism or prejudice of any kind" and that the museum is consulting with Jewish leaders and stakeholders. Reports indicate that Wintour had previously met with New York City's Jewish leaders, who reportedly gave their blessing for Galliano to be honored, suggesting he deserves a second chance.
The museum stated that the exhibit "will directly address the rupture caused by his antisemitic, racist, and anti-Asian conduct" from 2010 and 2011.
Galliano would be the third living designer to receive a solo retrospective at the Met, following Yves Saint Laurent and Rei Kawakubo.