John Galliano Withdraws From Met Exhibition Amid Antisemitism Backlash

John Galliano has withdrawn from a planned exhibition of his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, leading the museum to cancel the show.

The exhibition was slated to launch the annual Met Gala in May 2027. On Monday, Galliano issued a statement on Instagram, expressing great sadness and stating it was best for the exhibition not to take place at this time. He affirmed, "I remain fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, and I remain deeply sorry."

Max Hollein, director and CEO of the museum, confirmed the decision, stating, following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, they have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition. Anna Wintour issued a statement supporting Galliano, calling his decision very courageous and offering her full support to him and the Museum. Speaker of the New York City Council Julie Menin, whose parents were Holocaust survivors, initiated a campaign against the exhibition in late July, before its public announcement.

Menin met with The Met and Anna Wintour, stating she strongly disagree[d] with honoring a man who said he loved Hitler, that the Jews should be gassed. Galliano was convicted in 2011 for anti-Jewish comments and was fired from Christian Dior after racist and antisemitic comments from 2010 and 2011 surfaced. The exhibit will be replaced by another show, to be announced at a later date.