Met Museum Cancels John Galliano Exhibit After Antisemitism Backlash
Apnews · 2 SOURCES1 day ago2 MIN
Summary
The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced Monday it is cancelling a planned exhibition honoring British fashion designer John Galliano, following intense backlash from the Jewish community and donors over his history of antisemitic and racist statements. The exhibit, "John Galliano: Horizons," was set to serve as the centerpiece of the May 2027 Met Gala, the fashion world's most prestigious annual event. Museum director Max Hollein confirmed the decision in a joint statement with Galliano, who expressed sadness but accepted responsibility for his past remarks that caused harm to Jewish and Asian communities .
Key Points
- The "John Galliano: Horizons" exhibition was planned as the May 2027 spring Costume Institute show launching the annual Met Gala
- Galliano was convicted in France in 2011 for antisemitic comments made at a Paris bar, leading to his dismissal from Dior
- High-profile Jewish figures including art dealer Arne Glimcher and New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin opposed the exhibition this month
- The designer spent a decade at Maison Margiela after his 2014 comeback following the scandal
- Andrew Bolton, curator in charge of the Met's Costume Institute, will announce a replacement exhibition at a later date
Why It Matters
The cancellation underscores the ongoing tensions between artistic legacy and accountability for past misconduct, particularly regarding antisemitism in the cultural world. It also highlights the increasing influence of donor and community pressure on major art institutions' programming decisions, as the Met chose cultural sensitivity over its longstanding friendship with Galliano and the fashion industry's rehabilitation narrative .
The cancellation underscores the ongoing tensions between artistic legacy and accountability for past misconduct, particularly regarding antisemitism in the cultural world. It also highlights the increasing influence of donor and community pressure on major art institutions' programming decisions, as the Met chose cultural sensitivity over its longstanding friendship with Galliano and the fashion industry's rehabilitation narrative .