John Galliano withdraws from Met Museum show after backlash

John Galliano has withdrawn from a planned exhibition in his honor at the Metropolitan Museum of Art due to a wave of backlash. Galliano expressed deep regret for his past words, stating, "I do not want the debate surrounding me to place the Met in a difficult position or distract from the remarkable work of the Costume Institute."

The cancellation occurred as donors and political leaders were opposing the exhibition, which had been scheduled to begin with next year's Met Gala. The museum's director, Max Hollein, agreed with Galliano's decision, citing the need to avoid any potential harm to the museum's reputation. The controversy intensified when Jewish leaders and politicians, including Arne Glimcher and Speaker of the City Council Julie Menin, voiced their opposition to the exhibition, citing the potential harm it could cause to the Jewish community in New York.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art, one of 39 arts institutions operating on city-owned property, received criticism for its decision, with many calling for the show to be canceled and the Met Gala honoree changed.