The Metropolitan Museum of Art on Monday declared that it will not proceed with its exhibition dedicated to fashion designer John Galliano, which was scheduled to align with the 2027 Met Gala .
“After much reflection and discussion with The Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time. Galliano reached the height of the fashion industry for several years until he made a number of antisemitic and racist remarks in 2010 and 2011 that gained widespread attention, resulting in his conviction in a trial for antisemitism in France. Galliano, who is currently 65 years old, began his professional journey at Givenchy in 1995, subsequently assuming the role of creative director at Dior from 1997 until 2011. He then served as the creative director for the Parisian fashion house Maison Margiela from 2014 to 2024. He was regarded as one of the most significant and visionary figures in the couture fashion industry during the 1990s and early 2000s, but his career was derailed in 2011 following a series of antisemitic and racist incidents, including a notorious video in which he expressed admiration for Hitler at a Parisian restaurant.
The announcement faced criticism due to Galliano’s past controversies.
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, and I remain deeply sorry for it,” Galliano said in the statement.
