Amid backlash, museum cancels planned Met Gala exhibit on fashion designer John Galliano
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled a planned exhibition honoring fashion designer John Galliano following backlash regarding his history of antisemitic and racist remarks. Both the museum and the designer agreed that the exhibit should not proceed at this time.
Why it matters
The decision highlights the ongoing tension between artistic recognition and the public accountability of public figures for past hate speech.
NEW YORK — The Metropolitan Museum of Art is canceling its planned exhibit honoring British designer John Galliano — plans that had led to bitter backlash from the Jewish community and beyond because of the designer's past antisemitic and racist statements.
"John Galliano: Horizons," the high-profile spring Costume Institute exhibit that was to be launched by the annual Met Gala next May, will be replaced by another exhibit, the museum said Monday.
"Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition," Max Hollein, director and CEO of the museum, announced in a statement.
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