The Metropolitan Museum of Art has decided to cancel its upcoming exhibition dedicated to British designer John Galliano following widespread criticism from the Jewish community and beyond due to Galliano’s history of making antisemitic and racist remarks.

On Monday, the New York museum announced that the exhibit, initially scheduled as the spring Costume Institute show for May 2027, along with the annual Met Gala, will be replaced by a different exhibition to be revealed later.

Max Hollein, the museum’s director and CEO, stated, “After thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have mutually agreed not to proceed with the exhibition.” Galliano also expressed his regret, saying, “After careful consideration and conversations with The Met and all involved parties, I have decided, with deep sadness, that it is best to cancel the exhibition at this time. I take full responsibility for the pain caused by my past words, especially the harm inflicted on the Jewish and Asian communities, and I am sincerely sorry for it.”

Galliano, renowned for his extravagant designs, faced repercussions in the fashion industry after making racist and antisemitic comments in 2010 and 2011, leading to his dismissal as the creative director of Christian Dior and a conviction in France for antisemitism.

Despite his ousting from Dior, Galliano went through a period of rehabilitation, eventually making a comeback in 2014 at Maison Margiela, a Paris fashion house, where he served for ten years.

The cancellation of Galliano’s solo show at the Met’s Costume Institute marks a significant turn of events, as the annual Met Gala is a prominent event in the fashion world, overseen by influential figures like Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director, who has been a longtime supporter of Galliano.

Before the announcement of the exhibit, the museum engaged in discussions with Jewish community leaders in an attempt to address potential backlash. However, the decision to proceed with the show only fueled more criticism. Notably, New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, a vocal opponent of the exhibition, commended the museum’s choice to cancel, emphasizing the insensitivity of honoring Galliano amidst a climate of rising antisemitism.