Designer John Galliano has withdrawn from a planned 2027 Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition after facing criticism over his 2011 antisemitic remarks.
Key facts
- •The 2027 Costume Institute exhibit, 'John Galliano: Horizons,' was intended to honor the designer as the third living person to receive a solo show.
- •Galliano’s 2011 outburst led to a hate crime conviction in France and has remained a source of public criticism.
- •Met Museum donors threatened to withdraw gifts in response to the announcement of the exhibit.
- •New York City Council speaker Julie Menin publicly opposed the exhibition in a letter to museum directors.
- •The Metropolitan Museum of Art plans to announce details regarding its 2027 exhibit and the Met Gala at a later date.
John Galliano will no longer be the subject of a special Metropolitan Museum of Art exhibition following public outcry regarding his 2011 offensive comments about Jewish and Asian people. Galliano confirmed the cancellation via Instagram, stating he did not want the controversy to distract from the Costume Institute's work. The exhibit, titled 'John Galliano: Horizons,' was originally scheduled to be the Costume Institute’s 2027 show.
Background of the Controversy
Galliano’s 2011 outburst at a Paris bar, where he was recorded making antisemitic remarks, resulted in a conviction for hate crimes in France. While Galliano has since returned to the fashion industry with roles at Maison Margiela and has spoken publicly about his sobriety, the incident remains a point of contention. Before the exhibit was announced, Met officials reportedly consulted with Jewish leaders, including the Anti-Defamation League, which had expressed acceptance of his past apologies.
Public and Institutional Response
Despite initial outreach, the announcement of the exhibit triggered significant opposition, including threats from Met Museum donors to rescind their financial support. New York City Council speaker Julie Menin formally labeled the planned exhibit a 'serious mistake' in a letter to museum leadership. Following Galliano's decision to withdraw, Anna Wintour, a Met trustee and former Vogue editor-in-chief, stated her full support for the cancellation, calling his choice courageous.
Timeline
- 2011John Galliano made offensive remarks at a Paris bar, leading to a hate crime conviction.
- Earlier this monthThe Met announced 'John Galliano: Horizons' as the 2027 Costume Institute exhibit.
- 2027The exhibition was originally scheduled to take place.
Advertisement
This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Rolling Stone.
