New York, USA – The Metropolitan Museum of Art announced today that it will cancel the highly anticipated Met Gala exhibit dedicated to fashion designer John Galliano, following a wave of backlash from activists and former collaborators.
The exhibit, slated to open in early October, was intended to showcase Galliano’s most iconic runway pieces and explore his influence on contemporary fashion. However, critics argued that the museum’s decision to honor Galliano ignored his past controversies, including documented instances of anti‑Semitic remarks made in the 1990s.
“We must hold artists accountable for their actions, not just their artistic output,” said activist group Fashion Justice in a statement. Social media campaigns using the hashtag #NoGallianoExhibit trended for several days, prompting several donors to threaten withdrawal of funding if the museum proceeded.
Museum Director Max Holtzman issued an apology, stating, “Our intention was to celebrate artistic innovation, not to overlook serious ethical concerns. We respect the voices of the community and will re‑evaluate how we present fashion history moving forward.”
The museum plans to replace the Galliano exhibit with a broader survey of post‑war fashion designers, emphasizing inclusivity and ethical responsibility.