Famous fashion designer John Galliano has officially withdrawn from his planned solo exhibition at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The decision was made after plans for the museum to hold an exhibition dedicated to the designer’s work sparked a sharp public backlash.
Jnews.az reports that in a statement published on Instagram, Galliano noted that after discussions with all parties involved, he concluded that it would be more appropriate for the exhibition not to take place at this time.
“I do not want the debate surrounding my person to put the Metropolitan Museum of Art in a difficult position or distract from the outstanding work of the Costume Institute,” the designer stated.
Protests against the exhibition
Museum director Max Hollein confirmed the cancellation of the exhibition on Monday.
Criticism of the museum intensified after it was revealed that the exhibition’s opening was set to coincide with Holocaust Remembrance Day in Israel.
Influential donors, including Alice Tisch, as well as politicians such as New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and congressional candidate Brad Lander, spoke out against holding the exhibition.
Galliano’s antisemitic remarks
One of the main reasons for public discontent is related to the events of 2011, when Galliano was convicted by a French court for antisemitic remarks.
In two separate incidents in Paris, the designer insulted bar patrons, using antisemitic slurs and declaring his sympathy for Adolf Hitler. Following the incidents, Galliano was brought to court.
Anna Wintour defended the exhibition
Previously, Anna Wintour, Chief Content Officer of Condé Nast and a Metropolitan Museum trustee, defended the decision to hold the exhibition, stating that Galliano’s career should not be evaluated by a single event.
However, pressure from the public and a number of officials, including New York Mayor Zohran Mamdani, led to a reconsideration of the plans.
The Metropolitan Museum of Art stated that details regarding a new spring exhibition for the Costume Institute and the 2027 “Met Gala” event will be announced at a later date.
Source: algemeiner.com
