Show Caption
The Met Gala's exhibition dedicated to controversial designer John Galliano is no longer.The Costume Institute's 2027 spring exhibition and gala, previously announced as a tribute to the British designer, has been canceled, The Metropolitan Museum of Art and Galliano announced Monday, Aug. 31."Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition," Max Hollein, director and CEO of The Metropolitan Museum of Art, said in a statement.In his own statement, Galliano said he was "profoundly grateful" for the honor, but after "much reflection" he has decided he does 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."In addition to Galliano, both Andrew Bolton, Curator in Charge of The Met's Costume Institute, and Anna Wintour addressed the decision to cancel the controversial exhibition.In his statement, Bolton said he believed "deeply in the responsibility of museums to examine difficult histories with rigor, candor, and care."He continued: "I also recognize the pain and concern this exhibition has caused. After extensive discussion, I support the decision not to proceed. I remain deeply grateful to my colleagues and to the advisors, lenders, collaborators, and community leaders who contributed their knowledge, trust, and perspectives to the project.”Wintor added: "John's decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is. I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support." John Galliano statement: Designer is 'fully accountable' for controversial remarks"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. 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. 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."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. I also recognise and respect that an exhibition honouring my work would be painful for some. I would also like to express my deepest gratitude to all those who have guided, supported and accompanied me throughout these fifteen years of sobriety and recovery from alcoholism and addiction. Your wisdom, patience and humanity have helped me more than I can ever adequately express. I remain profoundly indebted to you for giving me, as you promised, a life better than I could ever have dreamt of. My gratitude to The Met, Max, Andrew and Anna remains profound and enduring. Their generosity, humanity and belief in the importance of fashion as art, culture and history, as well as their understanding of human fragility and the possibility of growth, will remain with me always.”The exhibition dedicated to the former Givenchy and Dior creative director sparked renewed backlash after Galliano's 2011 arrest for antisemitic and racist incidents resurfaced.A new spring exhibition for the 2027 Met Gala will be announced at a later date, per the announcement.This story is developing.
