Met Gala 2027 theme cancelled after John Galliano antisemitism backlash
John Galliano (Getty Images)
Fashion designer John Galliano has announced his decision to pull his planned retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art after backlash concerning his past antisemitism and racism.
Galliano, who would have been just the third living designer to have been honoured by the Met, was set to be honoured at the museum from May 9, 2027 to January 9, 2028, with the 2027 Met Gala theme also inspired by his work.
However, “after much reflection”, he has decided “with great sadness” that the exhibition should not go ahead.
In a statement on social media, following The New York Times reporting of the backlash, Galliano said: “I remain fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, and I remain deeply sorry.
“I understand that meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture. It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one’s conduct over time.”
In 2011, Galliano was convicted in a French court of a hate crime after two incidents of hurling “public insults” at people based on their religion, race or ethnicity.
In February that year, he aimed 30 anti-Jewish insults at a French couple, while also using anti-Asian insults. A second woman alleged he had acted in a similar manner with her at the same bar in October the previous year.
Galliano said during the trial he could not remember the incident due to a “triple addiction” to alcohol, sleeping pills and Valium. He has since had treatment for addiction.
In his social media statement, the fashion legend went on: “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.”
There has yet to be an announcement about the replacement theme for next year’s Met Gala, though it is reported that the event may be postponed.
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