Culture 3 min read By Lauren Baxter
John Galliano Withdraws From Planned Met Gala and 2027 Retrospective
Fashion designer John Galliano has pulled out of a planned Metropolitan Museum of Art retrospective and the 2027 Met Gala amid renewed backlash over antisemitic and racist comments he made in 2010 and 2011.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art has scrapped its planned retrospective honoring fashion designer John Galliano, a decision that also cancels his role as the theme of the 2027 Met Gala. Galliano and the museum issued a joint statement Monday announcing the withdrawal following intense backlash over antisemitic and racist remarks he made more than a decade ago.
The exhibition had been scheduled to run from May 9, 2027, through Jan. 9, 2028, and would have made Galliano only the third living fashion designer to receive such a tribute from the Met. The announcement marks a dramatic reversal for the designer, who had been positioned for one of the fashion world's highest honors.
In the joint statement, Galliano expressed remorse for his past behavior, saying he remains "deeply sorry" to the Jewish and Asian communities. The designer's comments, which surfaced from 2010 and 2011, have resurfaced in recent weeks and triggered mounting criticism from industry figures, advocacy groups, and the public, ultimately forcing the museum to reconsider its plans.
The Met Gala, an annual fundraising event that serves as one of the most high-profile nights in fashion and celebrity culture, had been expected to center on Galliano's work and legacy. The cancellation removes what would have been a major moment for the designer, who has spent years attempting to rebuild his career following his ouster from Dior and his own label in 2011.
Galliano's fall from grace began after a video emerged showing him making antisemitic statements in a Paris café. He was subsequently fired from his roles at Christian Dior and his eponymous brand, and later spent time in rehabilitation. In the years since, he staged a measured comeback, most notably as creative director of Maison Margiela, where he earned critical acclaim for his avant-garde collections.
The decision to cancel the retrospective underscores the enduring weight of Galliano's past remarks even as he regained professional standing. It also reflects a broader reckoning within the fashion industry over accountability for past misconduct, as institutions increasingly face pressure to reconsider honors for figures with controversial histories.
Neither Galliano nor the museum provided additional details about the reasoning behind the timing of the announcement, though the joint statement emphasized mutual agreement on the decision. The Met has not indicated whether a different designer or theme will replace Galliano for the 2027 gala.
