Met Cancels Galliano Gala After Donor Revolt
Met Cancels Galliano Gala After Donor Revolt
The News
The Metropolitan Museum of Art and designer John Galliano have canceled the 2027 Costume Institute exhibition and Met Gala built around him, after weeks of backlash over Galliano's antisemitic outbursts and reports that donors were threatening to pull their money.
Galliano announced the decision on Instagram on Monday, Aug. 31, saying it was "best for the exhibition not to take place at this time."
Met director and CEO Max Hollein confirmed it in a statement: "Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition."
Timeline
Galliano, then creative director at Dior, is caught on video making antisemitic and racist remarks in a Paris cafe. The New York Times reports he was found guilty of a hate crime over the outbursts. The Times of Israel notes he is known for having praised Adolf Hitler.
The Met announces "John Galliano: Horizons," the Costume Institute's spring 2027 exhibition, with the Anna Wintour-helmed gala as its opening night. The 2011 footage resurfaces and criticism builds immediately.
The New York Times reports that Jewish opposition is growing, that some donors are threatening to pull donations if Galliano is honored, and that meetings with rabbis and prominent Jewish leaders failed to quell the backlash. The Times of Israel reports organizers were weighing moving the gala's planned May 3, 2027 date because it falls on Yom HaShoah, Israel's Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Galliano and the Met jointly pull the plug.
Reactions
Galliano, in his statement: "I do not want the debate surrounding me to place the Met in a difficult position or to distract from the remarkable work of the Costume Institute. I also recognise and respect that an exhibition honouring my work would be painful for some."
He also said he remains "fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities," adding that "meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture."
The New York Times reported that donors, politicians and Jewish leaders had all questioned the Met's decision to honor a designer convicted over antisemitic remarks.
What's Next
The Met says a new spring 2027 exhibition will be announced at a later date. That leaves open whether the gala keeps its May 3, 2027 slot — the date organizers were reportedly already considering moving because it coincides with Yom HaShoah.
More
The Met Gala is the Costume Institute's fundraiser and one of the biggest money nights on the New York cultural calendar, which is what gave the donor threats their weight. Page Six had reported that the Galliano pick risked A-list guests skipping the event.
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