Anna Wintour’s Met Gala will no longer present an exhibit by controversial designer John Galliano. On Monday, Galliano announced the news on social media after backlash grew over the weekend.
In a statement, Galliano said: “After much reflection and discussion with all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that the exhibition shouldn’t take place at this 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.” He also acknowledged that an exhibition on his work would be “painful for some.”
Galliano was a long-time friend of Wintour, and she was one of his biggest supporters over the years. Her decision to honor him at the Met Gala caused a stir due to his 2011 comments at a Paris cafe, where he made antisemitic remarks to diners. The backlash intensified as many in the industry and beyond questioned the decision to platform him given his history.
