NEW YORK CITY — Galliano issued a statement regarding the cancellation on his social account. "After much reflection and discussion with The Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time," he said. He added that he did not want the debate surrounding him to place the institution in a difficult position. "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 said.

The designer addressed his past conduct and personal history in the same announcement. "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 for it," Galliano said. He noted that he has maintained 15 years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction.

"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 said.

Anna Wintour, Global Editorial Director of Vogue, described John Galliano's decision to cancel the exhibition as "very courageous and a measure of the man he is." Julie Menin, Speaker of the New York City Council, stated she was pleased with the decision to cancel the exhibition.

Timeline

In 2011, Galliano was convicted of antisemitic abuse in France after incidents at a café in Paris. That same year, video evidence showed Galliano stating he loved Adolf Hitler and telling patrons their families would have been gassed. He was fired from his position as creative director at Christian Dior in 2011.

On August 31, 2026, the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Galliano announced that the Spring 2027 exhibition devoted to his work will not proceed as planned. Max Hollein, director and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, stated that the decision was made jointly with Galliano following thoughtful discussions. The Metropolitan Museum of Art stated that details regarding a new spring Costume Institute exhibition and the 2027 Met Gala will be announced at a later date. Anna Wintour described Galliano's decision to cancel the exhibition as "very courageous and a measure of the man he is." Galliano stated in his announcement that he has maintained 15 years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction.

What's New

Additional reporting confirmed that the canceled exhibition was titled "John Galliano: Horizons" and was scheduled to open in May 2027. The Met issued a statement on August 31 that information on a new spring Costume Institute exhibition and the 2027 Met Gala will be announced at a later date.

Galliano said, "After much reflection and discussion with The Met and all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time." He added, "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 for it." He also stated, "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." Jonathan Greenblatt, CEO of the Anti-Defamation League, stated that honoring Galliano at this time was misguided.

Why It Matters

The exhibition was to be only the third retrospective of a living designer at the Costume Institute, following Yves Saint Laurent in 1983 and Rei Kawakubo in 2017. Galliano served as creative director for Maison Margiela from 2014 until 2024. In a 2004 poll, Galliano was named the fifth most influential person in British culture. Galliano has been named British Designer of the Year four times.