'I remain deeply sorry': John Galliano call off Met Gala retropective show over racism row

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has cancelled its planned museum exhibit honoring British designer John Galliano, following backlash over his past antisemitic and racist statements. The decision was announced by the museum's director and CEO, Max Hollein, on Monday. Galliano had been scheduled to be featured in the spring 2027 Costume Institute exhibition, which was set to coincide with the annual Met Gala.

The exhibit's cancellation comes after discussions with Galliano himself, who expressed deep regret for the pain his words had caused, particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities. Galliano, once a prominent figure in the fashion industry, was fired from his position at Christian Dior in 2011 following a series of racist and antisemitic comments that went viral.

He later worked with Paris fashion house Maison Margiela before making a return in 2014 with a solo show at the Met's Costume Institute. Despite efforts to appease Jewish community leaders, backlash against the planned show persisted, with New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin praising the museum's decision to cancel.