John Galliano pulls out of Met Gala exhibit after antisemitism backlash

Fashion designer John Galliano announced on Monday that he is canceling an exhibition of his work that was to be part of New York's Met Gala next spring, due to backlash from donors and political leaders over his past antisemitic remarks. In an Instagram post, Galliano, 65, expressed deep sadness about his decision, stating, "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."

Galliano's cancellation follows a 2011 conviction in a French court for making racist and antisemitic comments after hurling slurs at a Paris bar. The designer, known for his flamboyant personality and daring designs, was previously fired from his position as creative director at Dior following the 2011 incident. High-profile Jewish figures, including art dealer Arne Glimcher and city council speaker Julie Menin, had previously voiced their opposition to the exhibition.

In his statement, Galliano acknowledged the rehabilitation he underwent following his conviction, expressing gratitude to those who supported him during his fifteen years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction. The Metropolitan Museum of Art, which had planned a nine-month exhibition titled "John Galliano: Horizons," confirmed that the show would not proceed as originally scheduled and promised a new exhibition would be announced at a later date.

Andrew Bolton, the Met's Costume Institute curator, backed Galliano's decision, emphasizing the museum's responsibility to "examine difficult histories with rigour, candour, and care." Anna Wintour, a trustee of the Met and fashion icon, expressed her full support for Galliano and the museum, praising his courageous decision.

Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, criticized the decision, calling it "the wrong move at the wrong moment" given the current crisis of antisemitism.