John Galliano Pulls Out of Met Gala 2027 Retrospective Amid Controversy

Fashion designer John Galliano has withdrawn from a major retrospective planned by The Metropolitan Museum of Art for spring 2027, abruptly ending an exhibition that had become the focus of intense public and political criticism.

The proposed show, titled "John Galliano: Horizons," was also slated to set the theme for the 2027 Met Gala. The museum has confirmed it will now develop a completely new theme and exhibition for that slot, with details to be announced later.

In a statement, Galliano said that after extensive reflection and discussions with those involved, he concluded it was best for the exhibition not to proceed at this time. He expressed profound gratitude to the Met, particularly Max Hollein, Andrew Bolton, and Anna Wintour, for the honour of proposing an exhibition devoted to his work.

Galliano acknowledged the continuing significance of the controversy surrounding his conduct in 2011, stating he remains fully accountable for the pain caused by his words, particularly to the Jewish and Asian communities. He recognised that an exhibition could not serve as a substitute for accountability, describing atonement as a continuing responsibility demonstrated through listening, learning, and conduct over time.

He also expressed deep gratitude to those who supported him through fifteen years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction, adding that 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 retrospective faced criticism due to Galliano's history. In 2011, he was dismissed from Christian Dior after a video emerged showing him making antisemitic remarks. A French court later found him guilty of making public insults based on race, religion, and ethnicity.

Opponents of the exhibition included New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, whose mother is a Holocaust survivor. She described the decision to honour Galliano as a "mistake" and a "gut punch" to the Jewish community amid rising global antisemitism. The timing of the proposed gala, which would have coincided with Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, added to the controversy. Reports also indicated significant opposition from major Met donors and board trustees.

The cancellation creates a significant challenge for the Costume Institute, which typically plans its large-scale exhibitions years in advance. Galliano's withdrawal comes after a decade-long career rebuilding following his dismissal from Dior, during which he was appointed creative director of Maison Margiela in 2014.