‘Correct decision’ by Met to cancel exhibit honoring British designer with history of Jew-hatred, Menin says

The Metropolitan Museum of Art has canceled a planned May 2027 exhibit honoring British fashion designer John Galliano, following significant backlash, including from the New York City Council. The exhibit, titled “John Galliano: Horizons,” was intended to be the basis for next year’s Met Gala. Council Speaker Julie Menin, the first Jewish speaker of the New York City Council, strongly advocated for the cancellation, stating, “This is the correct decision, as the harm and pain this was causing was simply unacceptable.”

“From the beginning, I have told them that I strongly disagreed with this decision, and at this rising time of antisemitism, it had served as a gut punch to the Jewish community,”

Galliano was fired by Dior in 2011 after a video surfaced showing him making antisemitic and racist remarks, including saying “I love Hitler,” and was subsequently convicted in France. While Galliano has since apologized and the Anti-Defamation League defended his rehabilitation in 2013, both Galliano and the Met ultimately agreed not to proceed with the exhibition, with Galliano stating he did not want the debate surrounding him to place the Met in a difficult position.