Galliano Pulls Out of Met Gala 2027 Tribute Amid Past Remarks Uproar

Fashion designer John Galliano has stepped away from the Metropolitan Museum of Art's planned 2027 exhibition celebrating his career, following renewed criticism over his past racist and antisemitic statements.

Galliano, who was due to be honoured at the Met Gala and in a dedicated retrospective, said he did not want the controversy surrounding his history to distract from the museum's broader work. His decision comes after public backlash intensified over the announcement of the tribute.

In a statement, the designer expressed deep regret, saying he was "deeply sorry" for the hurt caused. He indicated that withdrawing was the right course to allow the institution to proceed without the shadow of his past actions.

The Met has not yet commented on the withdrawal or on whether the exhibition will be cancelled or reconfigured. The 2027 gala, a major fundraising event for the museum's Costume Institute, will now proceed without Galliano as its central figure.

The episode underscores the continuing tension between artistic legacy and personal accountability in the fashion world, as institutions weigh historical contributions against documented misconduct.