The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has decided not to proceed with next year’s exhibition honoring British designer John Galliano due to growing backlash over the designer’s past anti-Jewish and anti-Asian remarks. The Costume Institute spring show, originally set to feature Galliano’s work, is typically launched by the Met Gala every May.
Museum director Max Hollein stated that both the institution and Galliano agreed not to move forward with the exhibition due to public anger over Galliano’s discriminatory history. Galliano was convicted in 2011 for antisemitic abuse after a public incident in Paris, attributing his behavior to substance abuse problems, including alcohol and barbiturates.
During the trial, a video surfaced in which Galliano expressed admiration for Adolf Hitler and mentioned that certain families would have been “gassed.” These revelations were not isolated; the New Yorker reported additional instances where Galliano made unprovoked discriminatory remarks against Jewish and Asian communities.
As a result, he was dismissed from Dior just before Paris Fashion Week that year. Later, Galliano was fined by the court and later worked with Oscar de la Renta and as creative director for Maison Margiela before a collaboration with Zara planned for 2024.
Julie Menin, New York City Council Speaker, had urged the Met to reconsider the Galliano exhibition. Menin highlighted Galliano’s past conviction and statements, emphasizing the importance of upholding high standards at cultural institutions like the Met.
“The Met is one of New York City’s most treasured and visible cultural institutions,” Menin wrote. “Its choices carry enormous weight, both here and around the world. I believe this choice falls short of standard New Yorkers should expect from it.”
Additional allegations against Galliano surfaced, with fashion publicist Lauren London claiming Galliano made offensive remarks at a spa in Italy in 2019. Galliano expressed remorse, stating his desire not to let the controversies overshadow the Costume Institute’s work. He acknowledged that true atonement requires ongoing responsibility.
The Met’s Costume Institute curator, Andrew Bolton, supported the decision, recognizing its impact. Anna Wintour, Met Gala chair, affirmed the cancellation was correct, calling Galliano’s choice to withdraw “courageous.”
In response, Menin posted her satisfaction with the decision, noting it was personal due to her family history as a Holocaust survivor and her role as New York City Council’s first Jewish speaker, underscoring a commitment to speak out.
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