In response to mounting criticism, fashion designer John Galliano has withdrawn his planned exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Galliano and the museum released a joint statement on Monday announcing the withdrawal.
The prominent designer has faced growing criticism after a series of antisemitic and racist remarks made in 2010 and 2011, which went viral and resulted in his conviction for antisemitism in a French trial.
In a statement, Galliano said, “After extensive reflection and discussions with The Met and others involved, I have decided, with great regret, that the exhibition should not proceed at this time. I fully acknowledge my responsibility for the pain caused by my past words, especially the hurt inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities, and I sincerely apologize.”
Galliano’s withdrawal on Monday occurred just before a scheduled meeting of the Met’s board of trustees to discuss the exhibition’s future, according to an email invitation obtained by The New York Times.
Last week, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin sent a letter to the museum urging it not to honor Galliano at the gala.
Menin said, “Following extensive meetings with The Met, I am pleased they have decided not to honor John Galliano.” From the outset, I expressed strong opposition to this decision, and at a time of rising antisemitism, it would have been a painful blow to the Jewish community. This was the right decision, as the resulting harm and pain was unacceptable.
She added, “Museums like The Met must uphold the highest standards of inclusiveness and tolerance, and I am glad they have heeded my concerns and made the appropriate decision.” As the daughter of a Holocaust survivor and the first Jewish speaker of the New York City Council, this decision was deeply personal, and the Jewish community and I felt a strong duty to speak out.
Last week, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin sent a letter to the museum urging it not to honor Galliano at the gala.
Anti-Defamation League CEO Jonathan Greenblatt issued the following statement on X after the decision:
Greenblatt said, “With antisemitism at crisis levels, honoring John Galliano at this moment was misguided, and even Galliano eventually recognized that the Met should have acted differently from the start. This was the wrong move at the wrong time. Timing matters.”
[figure class=”wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-x wp-block-embed-x”>With antisemitism at crisis levels, the Met honoring John Galliano at this moment was misguided, and even Galliano ultimately recognized what the Met should have done from the start.
This was the wrong move at the wrong moment. Timing matters.
— Jonathan Greenblatt (@JGreenblattADL) August 31, 2026
The museum said plans for a replacement exhibit will be announced at a later date.
