Met Gala 2027: John Galliano exhibition cancelled. What's the controversy?

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and fashion designer John Galliano have decided not to go ahead with the exhibition that was set to honour the British designer.Fashion designer John Galliano (Photo: AP)Each year, the Met Gala marks the grand opening of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual spring fashion exhibition. This year, the exhibition was set to honour British designer John Galliano. But ever since the theme was announced, it has faced constant backlash. Now, there is a major update.Met cancels John Galliano exhibitionThe Metropolitan Museum of Art has cancelled its planned exhibition honouring John Galliano following intense backlash over his past antisemitic and racist remarks.The museum announced on Monday that the exhibition, which was scheduled to open in May 2027 alongside the Met Gala, will be replaced by another exhibition.“Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition,” Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, said in a statement. Galliano also issued a statement, saying he had decided that it was “best for the exhibition not to take place at this time”. He added that he remained “fully accountable” for the pain caused by his past remarks, particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities, and said he was “deeply sorry” for them.What’s the controversy?The backlash began after the Met announced last month that its 2027 Costume Institute exhibition would honour Galliano. The main concern was his history of making antisemitic and racist remarks. In 2011, Galliano was filmed making offensive comments about Jewish people and saying that he loved Hitler while at a Paris caf. The incident led to his dismissal from Dior, where he was then the creative director.Galliano later apologised for his remarks and said he had been struggling with alcohol and drug addiction at the time. He eventually returned to the fashion industry, but his past comments have continued to follow him.The decision to honour him at the Met reignited the debate over whether a designer with such a controversial past should be celebrated by one of the world’s most prestigious museums.The Met Gala, often called fashion’s biggest night, is held each year to mark the opening of the Costume Institute’s spring exhibition.Who is John Galliano?Galliano is known for his flamboyant and theatrical designs. He was the creative director of Givenchy before moving to Dior, where he became one of the most celebrated designers of his generation.After the 2011 controversy, he stepped away from the spotlight and sought treatment for alcohol and drug addiction. In 2014, he made his return to fashion as the creative director of Maison Margiela. He remained at the fashion house for a decade before announcing his departure in 2024.He is currently working with Zara on a two-year deal to “re-author” some of the brand’s past garments from a Paris atelier, bringing his couture background to the high-street brand.Had the exhibition gone ahead, Galliano would have become only the third living designer to be the subject of a solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute.- EndsPublished By: Medha ChawlaPublished On: Sep 1, 2026 07:00 IST