Met Museum cancels John Galliano exhibition after backlash over antisemitic remarks

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has scrapped plans for a major exhibition dedicated to British fashion designer John Galliano, following intense criticism over his history of antisemitic and racist remarks.

The exhibition had been scheduled to open in May 2027 as the spring Costume Institute exhibition, traditionally unveiled around the same time as the Met Gala. The museum said Monday that the planned show would instead be replaced by another exhibition, with details to be announced later.

Met director and CEO Max Hollein said the decision followed discussions with Galliano and those involved in organising the exhibition.


Galliano also confirmed that the exhibition would not go ahead, saying he had reached the decision after considerable reflection. He acknowledged the harm caused by his past comments and expressed regret for the pain experienced by Jewish and Asian communities.

Why the Met exhibition faced criticism

The controversy surrounding the planned John Galliano exhibition centred on comments he made more than a decade ago.

Galliano was among the most prominent names in international fashion when a series of incidents in 2010 and 2011 brought his behaviour under intense scrutiny. Video of the designer making racist and antisemitic comments circulated publicly, triggering widespread condemnation.

The fallout had major consequences for his career.

At the time, Galliano was serving as creative director of Christian Dior, one of the world's most prestigious fashion houses. Dior dismissed him after the remarks became public, bringing his tenure at the company to an abrupt end.

Galliano was subsequently convicted in France in connection with the antisemitic incident.

The episode remained a significant part of the designer's public reputation even as he gradually returned to the fashion industry.

Galliano rebuilt his career at Maison Margiela

After losing his position at Dior, Galliano spent several years attempting to rebuild his professional and personal reputation.

His return to one of fashion's most influential stages came in 2014, when he was appointed creative director of Maison Margiela, the Paris-based fashion house known for its experimental approach.

Galliano remained with the label for a decade and continued to receive recognition for his creativity and influence on contemporary fashion.

His career trajectory has nevertheless remained controversial because of the contrast between his artistic achievements and the serious nature of the remarks that ended his Dior career.

The proposed Met exhibition would have placed that complicated legacy at the centre of one of the world's most influential fashion institutions.

Planned Met show would have been a major honour

A solo exhibition at the Met's Costume Institute is among the highest-profile recognitions available to a fashion designer.

Galliano was set to become only the third living designer to receive a solo show at the institution, underscoring the significance of the planned exhibition.

The Costume Institute's spring exhibition is closely linked to the Met Gala, an event that attracts leading figures from fashion, entertainment, music and culture every year.

The gala has become one of the most closely watched events on the international fashion calendar, with its guest list, themes and red-carpet appearances generating enormous global attention.

Vogue global editorial director Anna Wintour oversees the Met Gala and has long been a supporter and friend of Galliano.

That relationship added another dimension to the discussion surrounding the proposed exhibition.

Met held talks before announcing Galliano show

The museum was aware that the exhibition could prove controversial.

According to the information surrounding the decision, Met officials had held conversations with Jewish community leaders before moving ahead with the announcement. Those discussions were intended in part to address concerns that could emerge because of Galliano's past.

Instead, opposition intensified after the plans became public.

Critics argued that celebrating Galliano through a major solo exhibition at the Met risked overshadowing the pain caused by his previous statements, particularly at a time when antisemitism remains a sensitive and serious issue.

The debate quickly moved beyond the fashion world and into New York's political and Jewish communities.

New York City Council speaker welcomes cancellation

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin was among the most prominent critics of the planned exhibition.

Menin had held several meetings and discussions with the Met and said she had consistently opposed the decision to honour Galliano.

After the museum announced the cancellation, Menin welcomed the move and said it was the appropriate decision.

She argued that proceeding with the exhibition would have caused significant pain within the Jewish community at a time when concerns about antisemitism are particularly acute.

Her response reflected the wider criticism the Met faced over its decision to showcase Galliano's work despite the history surrounding his public comments.

Galliano says he remains accountable

In announcing the cancellation, Galliano did not attempt to dismiss or minimise the controversy surrounding his past.

He said he remained accountable for the pain caused by his words and specifically acknowledged the impact on Jewish and Asian communities.

The statement represents another chapter in the long-running effort to reconcile Galliano's extraordinary influence on fashion with the offensive remarks that dramatically altered his career.

For the Met, the decision now leaves a prominent gap in its 2027 spring programme.

The museum has said another exhibition will take the place of the Galliano show, although it has not yet announced what the replacement exhibition will be.

The cancellation also highlights the difficult questions cultural institutions face when celebrating artists and designers whose professional achievements exist alongside serious personal controversies.

For Galliano, whose designs have made him one of the most recognisable figures in modern fashion, the abandoned exhibition is a significant moment. For the Met, it marks a decision to step away from an honour that had already generated substantial opposition before the exhibition could even open.