John Galliano exhibition at New York's Met cancelled after backlash
Fashion designer John Galliano has cancelled a planned 2027 retrospective exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art following public backlash regarding his past antisemitic and racist remarks. Galliano acknowledged that the exhibition would cause pain and stated that he remains accountable for his past actions.
Why it matters
The decision reflects the ongoing tension between artistic legacy and accountability for past discriminatory behavior in the cultural sector.
Image source, Getty Images Image caption, John Galliano said he realised "an exhibition honouring my work would be painful for some"
John Galliano has cancelled an upcoming major exhibition celebrating his work as a fashion designer after it prompted criticism due to his previous conviction for making antisemitic remarks.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York had announced an exhibition titled John Galliano: Horizons that was due to open in May 2027.
But Galliano said on Monday: "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."
The British designer was sacked as creative director of Dior in 2011 and found guilty of abusing a Jewish curator in a restaurant in Paris.
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