John Galliano’s Met Gala exhibition cancelled after backlash over 2011 hate crime conviction

Fashion designer John Galliano has announced the cancellation of his upcoming exhibition, “John Galliano: Horizons,” at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The decision, made after significant backlash, brings an abrupt end to a project originally scheduled to open for the spring Met Gala. Galliano confirmed the news on Instagram on Monday, stating that after much reflection and discussion, he believed it was best for the exhibition not to take place at this time.

The controversy centred on Galliano’s 2011 conviction by a French court for a hate crime, stemming from a series of racist and antisemitic remarks. This earlier legal outcome had also led to his dismissal as creative director of Christian Dior. The exhibition, which was announced in early August 2026, quickly became a focal point for debate regarding the museum’s approach to historical figures with contentious pasts.

Opposition to the plans grew sharply in recent days, with The New York Times reporting that Jewish leaders in New York City and beyond had voiced strong objections. The pressure was further compounded by reports that some donors threatened to withdraw gifts to the museum if the exhibition proceeded as planned. The New York City Council Speaker, Julie Menin, also intervened by sending a letter to Met leadership, describing the decision to honour Galliano as “a mistake” and urging the institution to reconsider.

In a statement posted on Monday, Galliano acknowledged the pain his past words had caused, particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities. He noted that meaningful atonement is not achieved through a single public gesture or institutional recognition, but rather through a continuing responsibility demonstrated over time. He added that he did not want the surrounding debate to place the Met in a difficult position or distract from the work of the Costume Institute.

Metropolitan Museum of Art director and chief executive officer Max Hollein confirmed the cancellation was a joint decision. “Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition,” Hollein stated. Trustee Anna Wintour also issued a statement, describing Galliano’s decision as “very courageous and a measure of the man he is,” and offering her full support to both the designer and the museum.

Julie Menin, who identified herself as the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and the first Jewish speaker of the New York City council, expressed satisfaction on social media that the Met had listened to her concerns. She stated that museums must be held to a high standard of inclusiveness and tolerance, noting that the decision was personal to her and the Jewish community. The Met has announced that details for a replacement spring Costume Institute exhibition and the 2027 Met Gala will be revealed at a later date.