Met Gala exhibition honouring John Galliano cancelled after backlash over past antisemitic comments

British fashion designer John Galliano has announced the 2027 Met Gala honouring his career has been cancelled over his past racist and antisemitic comments.

The 65-year-old had been set to become the third living designer to be honoured by the museum.

His retrospective had been due to run from May 2027 until January 2028, with the designer also chosen to be the theme of next year's Met Gala.

But a month after the exhibition was announced, Galliano revealed he had pulled the retrospective.

In a post on Instagram he wrote: "After much reflection and discussion with all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time.

"I remain fully accountable for the pain caused by my words in the past, particularly the hurt I caused to the Jewish and Asian communities, and I remain deeply sorry.

"I understand that meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture. It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one's conduct over time."

He added: "I do not want the debate surrounding me to place the Met in a difficult position or to distract from the remarkable work of the Costume Institute. I also recognise and respect that an exhibition honouring my work would be painful for some."

Galliano thanked those who have "guided, supported and accompanied" him throughout the last "15 years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction".

In a statement shared with Vogue, The Metropolitan Museum of Art's director and chief executive Max Hollein said: "Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition."

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A statement from Vogue global editorial director Dame Anna Wintour said Galliano's decision to ask the museum to postpone the exhibition was "very courageous and a measure of the man he is".

She said: "I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the museum have my full support. His soaring imagination, fed by a lifetime of curiosity and research, is matched by his exceptional craft.

"Cut, fit, the evocative line of a bias-cut dress, colour - he's a master of it all. Without one or the other, if his technique wasn't equal to his storytelling talents, he wouldn't be the premier couturier of his generation. But he most certainly is."

Dame Anna said Galliano's impact "reverberates across generations".

Galliano was convicted of a hate crime by a French court in 2011 for his public antisemitic comments after he harangued a couple sitting on a cafe terrace following a late-night drinking session in the upmarket Marais district.

Footage emerged of a separate incident which appeared to show him abusing drinkers in a bar and telling them: "I love Hitler."

The Dior creative director was sacked by the label in light of the "deeply offensive statements and conduct" contained in the video.

He was later convicted of "public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity" stemming from the two separate incidents and handed a €6,000 (£5,000) suspended fine.

The Met has not yet announced how it plans to replace the Galiano exhibit, which means the 2027 Met Gala currently does not have a theme.

(c) Sky News 2026: Met Gala exhibition honouring John Galliano cancelled after backlash over past antisemitic