John Galliano’s Met Gala exhibition canceled after backlash

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled its planned exhibition of John Galliano’s work, ending a proposal that had triggered weeks of backlash before the 2027 Met Gala.

Galliano said Monday that, after “much reflection and discussion, with all those involved, I've decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time.” The Met confirmed that its planned Spring 2027 exhibition devoted to the designer’s four-decade career would not go ahead as planned.

The decision to feature Galliano’s work had provoked widespread controversy earlier this month. The designer is known for theatrical and dramatic designs, but his past has also included antisemitic and racist comments. Those remarks led to his dismissal from Christian Dior in 2011 and to a hate crime conviction in France.

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Much reflection and discussion, with all those involved, I've decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time.

Galliano acknowledged the continuing impact of his conduct in his statement. “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,” he said.

The Met said it would provide details of a new spring Costume Institute exhibition and the 2027 Met Gala at a later date.

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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.