Amid Controversy, Galliano Pulls Out of Met Exhibit

John Galliano just pulled the plug on the Metropolitan Museum of Art show that was set to celebrate his lifetime body of work and anchor the 2027 Met Gala. The designer announced on Instagram that he asked the museum to call off the nine-month Costume Institute exhibition, reports the New York Times, saying he didn't want controversy over his past antisemitic remarks (which led to a 2011 conviction in France) to put the Met "in a difficult position." His statement, per Vogue:

• "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."

His exit follows a surge of opposition from major donors, Jewish leaders, and New York politicians, some of whom threatened to cut support or called the show a "whitewash" and a "terrible idea." The Met, which receives city funding and houses the Condé Nast-backed Costume Institute, said only that details on a new spring exhibition and Met Gala theme will come "at a later date."