Designer John Galliano and the Metropolitan Museum of Art have cancelled a planned exhibition of his work following public criticism and pressure from donors.

Fashion designer John Galliano announced on Monday that a planned exhibition of his work at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art will not proceed. The exhibition, titled "John Galliano: Horizons," was originally scheduled to open during the upcoming spring Met Gala. The decision follows significant backlash regarding Galliano’s 2011 hate crime conviction in France for racist and antisemitic remarks.

Reasons for the Cancellation

In a statement posted to Instagram, Galliano expressed that he did not want the debate surrounding his past actions to place the museum in a difficult position or distract from the work of the Costume Institute. He acknowledged that an exhibition honoring his career would be painful for some and stated that he remains accountable for the hurt caused to the Jewish and Asian communities by his past remarks. Galliano emphasized that he believes meaningful atonement is a continuing responsibility rather than something achieved through institutional recognition.

Institutional Response and Public Pressure

Max Hollein, the director and chief executive officer of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, confirmed that the museum and the designer reached the decision to cancel the exhibition together. Anna Wintour, a Met trustee, described the decision as courageous and stated her full support for the move. The cancellation followed reports that Jewish leaders and some museum donors had expressed opposition to the exhibition, with some donors threatening to withdraw financial support if the plans proceeded. New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, who had formally urged the museum to reconsider, publicly welcomed the decision.