Wintour Backs Galliano's Decision to Pull Out of Met Gala Exhibition

Anna Wintour has publicly supported John Galliano's decision to withdraw from the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition dedicated to his work, describing the move as "very courageous." The announcement comes after renewed criticism over the designer's antisemitic outburst in 2011.

In a statement posted on the Met Gala's official website, Wintour, Vogue's global editorial director, said, "John's decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is." She added that she believes it is the right decision and that both Galliano and the museum have her full support.

Galliano announced his decision following discussions with The Metropolitan Museum of Art and other parties involved. In a statement on Instagram, he expressed sadness over the cancellation but 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."

The designer noted that "meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture," describing it instead as a continuing responsibility demonstrated through listening, learning, and conduct over time. He also said he did not want the debate surrounding him to place The Met in a difficult position or distract from the Costume Institute's work.

The controversy stems from a 2011 incident in Paris where Galliano was filmed making drunken racist remarks. He was subsequently fired from Dior, entered rehab, and later returned to fashion as creative director of Maison Margiela in 2014.

Ahead of the original announcement, Galliano and Wintour had met with influential rabbis and Jewish leaders in New York. Jonathan Greenblatt of the Anti-Defamation League said the organisation accepted Galliano's apology long ago and believes he has genuinely reckoned with his past. However, he noted that "timing matters," pointing to surging antisemitism and calling for real action rather than token gestures.

Wintour had previously defended Galliano when the honour was announced, telling the New York Times that his career was not "defined by a single moment." Reports also emerged of internal concerns at Condé Nast, with staffers allegedly hesitant to challenge the decision for fear of losing their jobs.