Go to today's feed

John Galliano Withdraws From Met Gala Exhibition Amid Backlash

Culture20 sourcesAug 31, 2026
FlatRigor 5420 sources

The Story

John Galliano has withdrawn from the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition, leading the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York to cancel the event. The exhibition, titled "John Galliano: Horizons," was scheduled to open in May 2027 and would have set the theme for the annual Met Gala. The cancellation follows widespread backlash stemming from Galliano's past antisemitic and racist statements. On Monday, Galliano issued a statement saying, "After much reflection and discussion with the Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time." He added, "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 for it." Galliano was fired as creative director of Christian Dior in 2011 after racist and antisemitic comments from 2010 and 2011 surfaced, leading to his conviction in an antisemitism trial in France. A court heard he made racist insults and declared a love for Hitler. Max Hollein, director and CEO of the Met, confirmed the decision, stating, "Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition." The museum will announce new plans for the Costume Institute exhibit and the 2027 gala later. Julie Menin, speaker of the New York City Council, called the cancellation the correct decision, noting the planned exhibit had been a gut punch to the Jewish community. Donors, politicians, and Jewish leaders had questioned the Met's decision, with some threatening to withdraw contributions. The original May 3 date for the gala also coincided with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day.

The Spread

What they agree on

  • John Galliano has withdrawn from the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition.
  • The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled the exhibition, titled "John Galliano: Horizons."
  • The cancellation is a direct result of widespread backlash over Galliano's past antisemitic and racist statements.
  • Galliano was fired from Christian Dior in 2011 and convicted in France for his remarks.
  • The Met will announce new plans for the 2027 Costume Institute exhibit and Met Gala at a later date.

Where they split

  • BBC News and Euronews include direct quotes from Galliano's statement acknowledging his accountability and sorrow for the pain caused to Jewish and Asian communities.
  • The New York Sun and Hyperallergic specifically highlight Galliano's withdrawal as the primary action, rather than the Met's cancellation.
  • Jewish News Syndicate and The Daily Wire emphasize the role of New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and the "Jew-hatred" aspect of the backlash.
  • RTE News and The New York Times mention that the original Met Gala date of May 3 coincided with Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, a detail not present in all reports.

Source Perspectives

Left8 sources
Center9 sources
Right3 sources