John Galliano Drops 2027 Met Gala Retrospective as Antisemitism Backlash Threatens 50-Art Gift
Updated
Updated · The Guardian · Sep 5
John Galliano Drops 2027 Met Gala Retrospective as Antisemitism Backlash Threatens 50-Art Gift
3 articles · Updated · The Guardian · Sep 5
Summary
Galliano withdrew from the Met’s planned 2027 retrospective, saying he remains accountable for his 2011 antisemitic remarks and that atonement should not come through an exhibition.
The retreat followed a fast-growing revolt over the Met’s decision to honor him, with Anna Wintour acknowledging she failed to run the idea past the museum’s 100-member board.
Julie Menin led the opposition, arguing city-funded cultural institutions must show hatred has consequences, while donor Arne Glimcher warned he was reconsidering a 50-piece art gift and Alice Tisch called the show a whitewash.
The backlash landed in a tense New York climate marked by protests outside synagogues and a recent federal hate-crime case, sharpening criticism of honoring Galliano despite his apologies, rehab and career rehabilitation.
The dispute has widened into a challenge to Wintour’s influence over the Met Gala and Costume Institute, even as Vogue calls the exhibition postponed rather than canceled.