The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled its planned exhibit honoring British designer John Galliano. This decision followed backlash due to Galliano’s past antisemitic and racist statements. The exhibit, titled “John Galliano: Horizons,” was set to be the spring Costume Institute exhibit, launching with the annual Met Gala next May. It will now be replaced by another exhibit, as announced by the museum on Monday.
Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated, “Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition.” Galliano concurred in a joint statement, expressing sadness over the cancellation but emphasizing accountability for his previous statements that hurt Jewish and Asian communities.
Galliano’s Controversial Past
Recognized for his flamboyant designs, Galliano faced a turning point when racist and antisemitic comments he made in 2010 and 2011 emerged. This led to his dismissal from Christian Dior and a conviction in an antisemitism trial in France. Comments recorded on video included remarks about Hitler and offensive comments to a Jewish bar patron, implying their ancestors were “gassed.” He also made derogatory comments to an Asian individual.
After his departure from Dior, Galliano spent years on rehabilitation efforts. In 2014, he joined Paris fashion house Maison Margiela, where he worked for a decade. He was to be one of only three living designers honored with a solo show at the Costume Institute.
Statements from Influential Figures
The annual Met Gala marks the launch of the spring exhibit, attracting celebrity attendees. Vogue’s global editorial director, Anna Wintour, oversees the event. She has been a longtime supporter of Galliano and commended his decision to step aside from the exhibit. Wintour described his choice as courageous, aligned with both Galliano’s interests and the museum’s.
Andrew Bolton, the Costume Institute’s longtime curator, also agreed with the decision, acknowledging the widespread pain and concern the planned exhibition caused.
Community Reactions
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin was a prominent critic of the exhibition plan. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, Menin met with the museum repeatedly to express her strong opposition. She called the decision to cancel “correct,” noting the significant distress it was causing.
The timing of the gala also raised concerns, as its traditional date in May 2027 coincides with Holocaust Remembrance Day. Speculations arose about a potential date change to avoid further complications.
Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, described the exhibit as misguided given the current crisis levels of antisemitism. He urged the museum to reconsider this honor, despite acknowledging Galliano’s efforts to seek redemption.
David Ingber, a senior director for Jewish life, noted a distinction between personal redemption and public honors. He affirmed Galliano’s redemption but questioned the appropriateness of the museum’s planned celebration around him.
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