Controversial designer John Galliano cancels Met exhibition after backlash
John Galliano has cancelled an upcoming major exhibition celebrating his work as a fashion designer after it prompted criticism due to his previous conviction for making antisemitic remarks. In 2011, a French court found the designer guilty of antisemitic and racist rants at a Parisian bar. He was also fired by Dior as creative director that same year after a video surfaced of him declaring a…
The Metropolitan Museum of Art's John Galliano Costume Institute exhibition set to explore the British designer's 40-year career was abruptly cancelled on August 31, 2026. The decision came a month after the exhibition's announcement on July 31, following weeks of public backlash over Galliano's history of antisemitic and racist remarks.
Galliano faced condemnation for comments he made in 2011, which led to his dismissal from Dior and a French conviction. Despite the controversy, the Met had planned to address this difficult chapter as part of the exhibition, labeling it as the "rupture" in Galliano's career. However, criticism intensified as the proposed gala date of May 3, 2027 (Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day) drew further controversy.
This clash of dates became a point of concern, as many felt honoring Galliano on a day so deeply significant to Holocaust survivors would be inappropriate. Following an emergency meeting, the museum and Galliano announced the cancellation the next day. Met director Max Hollein stated the decision followed "thoughtful discussions" with Galliano, while Galliano acknowledged his responsibility for the pain caused by his words, especially to Jewish and Asian communities.
As the exhibition and gala are cancelled, the Met has yet to announce a replacement exhibition or gala details for 2027.
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