The Met Cancels John Galliano Show Amid Backlash

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City announced that a planned exhibition honoring British designer John Galliano will not take place. The decision follows rising backlash over Galliano’s past offensive remarks towards Jewish and Asian communities. The exhibition was to feature Galliano’s work at next year’s Costume Institute spring show, traditionally launched by the Met Gala in May.

Museum director Max Hollein revealed that both the institution and Galliano mutually decided not to proceed with the show. The controversy centers around Galliano’s antisemitic behavior, for which he was convicted in 2011. The incident occurred in Paris, where Galliano verbally abused a couple in a cafe. Galliano, who attributed his actions to substance abuse, claimed he was dependent on alcohol, barbiturates, and sleeping pills at the time.

“I have no recollection of the antisemitic verbal abuse,” Galliano testified during his trial.

The fallout from the trial intensified when a video surfaced showing Galliano expressing admiration for Adolf Hitler and making other offensive remarks. The New Yorker reported similar incidents from patrons of a Parisian bar. Following these revelations, Galliano was dismissed from Dior, where he had served since the mid-90s. The court ordered him to pay a fine. Later, Galliano found roles at Oscar de la Renta and Maison Margiela. His collaboration with Zara is slated for 2024.

New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin urged the Met to reconsider the exhibition. She wrote to the museum emphasizing Galliano’s failure to meet the standards of such a prestigious honor. Menin cited his conviction and offensive video as reasons for her stance.

“Its choices carry enormous weight, both here and around the world. I believe this choice falls short of standard New Yorkers should expect,” Menin stated.

Menin also referred to an incident reported by The New York Times, where Galliano was accused of inappropriate behavior at a spa in Italy in 2019. Galliano expressed deep remorse and stated that true atonement comes from ongoing conduct, not a single gesture.

Andrew Bolton, curator at The Met’s Costume Institute, also supported the cancellation, acknowledging the hurt it caused. Met Gala chair Anna Wintour, a longtime supporter of Galliano, called his decision to withdraw from the show courageous. Menin, in a social media post, expressed satisfaction with the exhibition’s cancellation, highlighting her personal connection to the issue as a Jewish individual and the daughter of a Holocaust survivor.