Metropolitan Museum Cancels John Galliano Exhibition Amid Antisemitism Backlash
In a decision announced on Monday, the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York released a statement cancelling the highly‑anticipated "John Galliano: Horizons" exhibition, which had been slated to open in May 2027.
The exhibition would have showcased the fashion icon’s work after his controversial public downfall: a conviction in Paris for abusing a Jewish curator, inciting racist remarks, and a public declaration of affection for Hitler. The backlash culminated in a coalition of city leaders and the Anti‑Defamation League, who argued that honoring Galliano in this context would be “misguided” amid a rise in antisemitism.
Galliano expressed “great sadness” and stated that, following extensive discussion with the Met’s leadership, it was preferable for the event not to occur at this time. He added that he “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.”
Met Gala co‑chair Anna Wintour, a trustee of the Met, echoed the sentiment: “John’s decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is. I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support.”
New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin lifted a public statement in support of the cancellation, emphasizing that the timing was wrong at a moment “of antisemitism, it had served as a gut punch to the Jewish community.” ADL chief executive Jonathan Greenblatt further condemned the original plan, asserting that honoring Galliano would have been “misguided.”
Galliano, who returned to the fashion world after his conviction, served as creative director of Maison Margiela until 2024. His career, once celebrated, now stands at a crossroads as he continues to confront the legacy of his past actions.
Tweet by Speaker Menin expressing support for the cancellation.
