The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York had announced a major exhibition titled John Galliano: Horizons that was due to open in May 2027. After a wave of criticism citing the designer’s past conviction for making antisemitic remarks, the Met withdrew the event.
Galliano released a statement on Monday, saying, 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.
He added that an exhibition honouring his work would be painful for some and that meaningful atonement requires more than institutional recognition.
The event would have been the centerpiece for the Metropolitan Museum’s Costume Institute as well as a thematic focus for that year’s Met Gala, scheduled for 3 May, a date that coincides with Yom HaShoah – the Holocaust remembrance day.
Anna Wintour, a trustee of the Met and co‑chair of the Met Gala, publicly expressed support for Galliano’s decision, calling it “courageous” and noting that both the designer and the museum had her full backing.
Political leaders and advocacy groups condemned the original plan. New York City Council speaker Julie Menin described it as a “gut punch to the Jewish community”, while the Anti‑Defamation League’s chief executive said honouring Galliano would have been “misguided” amid ongoing antisemitism concerns.
Galliano, widely considered a major figure in fashion design, had returned to the industry after his conviction, serving as creative director of Maison Margiela for a decade until 2024. He also highlighted his 15‑year sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction.
