John Galliano Withdraws From Met Exhibition, 'Horizons' Postponed

British designer John Galliano announced on Instagram on August 31 that he is withdrawing from Horizons, his planned solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The show had been set to open May 3, 2027, timed to align with the Met Gala organized by Anna Wintour. According to Far Out Magazine, Galliano himself requested the postponement after the exhibition, announced in late July, drew days of backlash over his history of racist and antisemitic remarks.

What Galliano said

In his statement, Galliano said that after reflection and discussion with everyone involved, he believed this was not the right time to hold the exhibition. He reiterated that he takes full responsibility for the harm caused by his past remarks, specifically naming the Jewish and Asian communities as having been hurt, and said he remains deeply sorry to this day.

He added that he did not want controversy surrounding him to put the Met in a difficult position, or to overshadow the work of the museum's Costume Institute.

The 2011 Dior dismissal

Galliano was fired by Christian Dior in 2011 after making racist and antisemitic slurs while drunk at a Paris bar, and was subsequently arrested on two counts of inciting racial and antisemitic hatred. He largely disappeared from public view for about two years afterward. The Met's decision to stage a major solo show of his work had already been seen as controversial by some when it was first announced.

Wintour's response and what's next

In a statement published by Vogue, Anna Wintour called Galliano's decision to ask the museum for a postponement "very courageous," adding that it was the right decision and that both he and the museum have her full support.

According to reports, the 2027 exhibition that will replace Horizons has yet to be announced, and the museum has not said when the new show will take place or what it will focus on.