John Galliano has cancelled a highly‑anticipated exhibition of his work at the Metropolitan Museum of Art after a wave of criticism over his previous antisemitic remarks. The museum had planned an exhibition titled John Galliano: Horizons that was set to open in May 2027.
In a statement, Galliano said: “After much reflection and discussion with the Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time.”
Galliano was dismissed as Dior’s creative director in 2011 and was found guilty of making an antisemitic remark against a Jewish curator, as well as uttering racist insults toward a South‑Asian friend and expressing admiration for Hitler.
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 noted that meaningful atonement requires more than an exhibition, saying, “It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one's conduct over time.”
Galliano’s decision comes as the Met’s Costume Institute is set to host the next Met Gala on 3 May, the same day as Yom HaShoah, the Holocaust Remembrance Day. The event will feature a theme based on Galliano’s work if the exhibition had proceeded.
Anna Wintour, trustee of the Met and co‑chair of the Met Gala, earned praise for their supportive stance. “John’s decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is,” Wintour said. She added that both Galliano and the museum have her full support.
The cancellation also follows criticism from New York City Council speaker Julie Menin and from Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti‑Defamation League, who described the move as “misguided” if the Met had gone ahead with the exhibition. They emphasised that at the time of rising antisemitism, honoring Galliano would have caused significant pain to the Jewish community.
