Met Gala Cancels 2027 Theme Honouring John Galliano Over Past Racism

The Met Gala has been forced to drop their 2027 theme honoring John Galliano. The renowned gay fashion designer took to Instagram to announce his decision to pull his retrospective from the Metropolitan Museum of Art, noting he does not want backlash pertaining to past racist remarks to distract from the “remarkable work” of the Met’s Costume Institute.

“After much reflection and discussion with all those involved,” Galliano wrote, “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. 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.”

Why Is John Galliano Experiencing Backlash?

It comes after Galliano was found guilty of racist public insults relating to two incidents in 2010 and 2011. This included disparaging a French couple outside La Perle Bar in Paris, calling them a “fucking ugly Jewish bitch” and “fucking Asian bastard”, which later saw him fired from his post as creative director at the French fashion house Dior.

Galliano has long and profusely apologised for these comments, and allocated space in his recent announcement to thank everyone who has permitted him his blunders and space to make mistakes and grow during his struggle with alcoholism.

“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,” wrote Galliano.

“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 Community’s Response

Galliano’s announcement has been met with a mixture of grief and praise, with many commending his choice to honour past hurts he has caused and pursue accountability.

“Your art changed the WORLD FOREVER!” famed drag artist Gottmik wrote in the comments. “Your impact is untouchable. You changed what fashion could be for everyone and your dedication to accountability growth and healing should be JUST as inspiring for everyone. Heartbroken we won’t see the galliano met but very proud and inspired by your decision and statement. WE LOVE YOU FOREVER.”