Metropolitan Museum Cancels Galliano Exhibition Amid Controversy

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City has decided not to proceed with an exhibition that was set to honor British designer John Galliano. This decision comes after growing backlash over Galliano’s past remarks against Jewish and Asian communities. The exhibition was initially planned for next year’s Costume Institute spring show, launched by the Met Gala each May. The decision was made collaboratively by the museum and Galliano as public anger surged over his history of offensive statements.

In 2011, Galliano faced conviction in France for antisemitic abuse after he verbally assaulted a couple at a Paris cafe. Galliano attributed this behavior to substance abuse, stating he was battling addiction to alcohol, barbiturates, and sleeping pills. He claimed he did not recall the antisemitic comments during the incident. As the trial unfolded, another video surfaced, revealing Galliano declaring his admiration for Adolf Hitler and making offensive comments about Jewish families.

Further reports emerged, including an account in The New Yorker that reported Galliano’s tirades against Jewish and Asian communities at a Parisian bar. These incidents led to his dismissal from Dior, where he had been employed since the mid-1990s, just before Paris Fashion Week that year. Galliano was fined by the court as a result. In 2013, he found a position as a designer ‘in residence’ at Oscar de la Renta and later became the creative director for Maison Margiela. He eventually planned a collaboration with Spanish retail store Zara in 2024.

Julie Menin, the New York City Council Speaker, urged the Met to rethink hosting the exhibition. She addressed a letter to the museum expressing that Galliano had not met the high standards required by such recognition. “The Met is one of New York City’s most treasured and visible cultural institutions,” Menin wrote, stressing the global influence of the museum’s decisions. She referenced Galliano’s past convictions and the video of him glorifying Hitler, along with allegations from fashion publicist Lauren London.

The New York Times reported an allegation by London claiming Galliano repeatedly shouted ‘Merry Christmas’ at her friend, Sabine Cimber Goldberg, while she spoke Hebrew on the phone in 2019. Galliano has expressed deep remorse to Jewish and Asian communities for his past actions. In a statement shared by the Met, Galliano acknowledged that sincere atonement required ongoing efforts beyond exhibitions or public gestures.

Andrew Bolton, curator at The Met’s Costume Institute, supported the decision to cancel the exhibition, acknowledging the hurt caused. Longtime Met Gala chair Anna Wintour agreed with the decision while commending Galliano for his choice to withdraw, describing it as courageous.

Menin shared her satisfaction with the outcome. As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and the first Jewish speaker of the New York City Council, she felt a strong obligation to voice her concerns. “This decision was personal to me,” she wrote, emphasizing her commitment to the Jewish community.