Galliano Withdraws from Met Retrospective Following Criticism

Fashion designer John Galliano has decided to cancel his planned exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art after facing renewed backlash over antisemitic and racist remarks he made in 2010 and 2011. In a joint statement with the museum, Galliano expressed regret and acknowledged the pain his past words caused, particularly to Jewish and Asian communities. The decision follows mounting pressure and reports that the Met Gala was considering a date change.

Galliano’s decision follows weeks of renewed scrutiny after old video clips of his drunken, hateful outbursts resurfaced online. The designer was convicted in a French court in 2011 for public insults based on origin, religion, or race. His career had already suffered a major setback, with Dior firing him, though he later staged a comeback with Maison Margiela. The Met’s planned retrospective, which had been in development for months, was meant to celebrate his influence on fashion. The joint statement with the museum emphasized mutual agreement, with Galliano acknowledging the specific harm to Jewish and Asian communities. Reports had also surfaced that the Met Gala, which often aligns with such exhibitions, was considering a date shift due to the controversy.