<p>Anna Wintour has backed John Galliano's decision to withdraw from the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition dedicated to his work, calling the move "very courageous" amid renewed backlash over the designer's 2011 antisemitic outburst.</p><h2>Anna Wintour on Galliano's decision</h2><p>"John's decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is," Vogue's global editorial director wrote in a statement posted on the Met Gala's official website on Monday (local time), adding, "I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support," as per Page Six.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/met-gala-2027-theme-controversy-explained-the-debate-surrounding-john-galliano-s-honour-1785721686436"><strong>Met Gala 2027 theme controversy explained: The debate surrounding John Galliano's honour</strong></a></p><h2>Galliano steps back from 2027 Met Gala &nbsp;</h2><p>Galliano announced Monday that he would step back from the forthcoming event following discussions with The Metropolitan Museum of Art and others involved in the exhibition.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"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," Galliano wrote in an official statement on his Instagram handle.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He added, "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."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/met-gala-2026-10-most-iconic-looks-of-all-time-kim-kardashian-lady-gaga-tyla-and-more-1777616996102"><strong>Met Gala 2026: 10 most iconic looks of all time- Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Tyla and more</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p><p>The designer also wrote that "meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture," describing it instead as "a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one's conduct over time."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Galliano also said he did not want the "debate surrounding [him] to place The Met in a difficult position or to distract from the remarkable work of the Costume Institute."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>He acknowledged that an exhibition celebrating his work "would be painful for some" and expressed his appreciation for The Metropolitan Museum of Art, Wintour and the other organisers who had sought to devote an exhibition to his career.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/met-gala-2026-what-happens-inside-fashion-s-biggest-night-rules-dinner-and-performances-explained-1777695425108"><strong>Met Gala 2026: What happens inside fashion's biggest night?</strong></a></p><h2>Galliano's controversy</h2><p>The decision comes after Galliano's selection as the honoree for the May 2027 Met Gala sparked controversy earlier this month.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The designer had faced continued scrutiny over a 2011 incident in Paris, when he was caught on video making drunken racist remarks. He initially apologised and said he did not remember the incident, as per Page Six.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>The controversy resulted in Galliano being fired as a designer at Dior. He subsequently entered rehab and took a brief hiatus from the spotlight before returning to work in 2014 as creative designer for Maison Margiela.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Ahead of the announcement that he would be honoured at the Met Gala, Galliano and Wintour had met with several "influential rabbis and Jewish leaders" in New York, who said the designer deserved another chance.</p><p><br>Jonathan Greenblatt, chief executive of the Anti-Defamation League, told Page Six that "ADL accepted John Galliano's apology long ago, and believes he has genuinely reckoned with his past antisemitism."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/why-the-met-gala-just-cancelled-its-2027-john-galliano-theme-1788184666621"><strong>Why the Met Gala just cancelled its 2027 John Galliano theme</strong></a></p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"But timing matters," he continued, adding, "Antisemitism is surging ... and Jewish New Yorkers are feeling unheard by their city's leaders. As the decision is made, now it's on the Met and partners, not with token gestures around one exhibit, but with real action against antisemitism, in the museum and across the fashion world they help shape."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Wintour had previously defended Galliano when his Met Gala honour was announced, telling the New York Times that his career was not "defined by a single moment" and that "there was no one more deserving of an exhibition of this scale."</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>Her latest statement came shortly before a Conde Nast insider told Page Six that staffers were allegedly "whispering behind her back" and had expressed concerns about Galliano being honoured at the annual gala.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"That's how something like this gets this far in the first place," the insider said, adding, "People are afraid of losing their jobs, so nobody wants to be the person who stands up and says, 'This is a bad idea.'"</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>"There were definitely people who had concerns, but no one wanted to challenge her directly, and now people are mortified by how this was handled," the source added.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Disclaimer:</strong> <i>This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</i></p>

Following John Galliano's decision to withdraw from the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition, Anna Wintour has reacted to the matter. She has shown support for the designer amid the renewed backlash.

Anna Wintour has backed John Galliano's decision to withdraw from the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition dedicated to his work, calling the move "very courageous" amid renewed backlash over the designer's 2011 antisemitic outburst. Anna Wintour on Galliano's decision "John's decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is," Vogue's global editorial director wrote in a statement posted on the Met Gala's official website on Monday (local time), adding, "I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support," as per Page Six. Also read: Met Gala 2027 theme controversy explained: The debate surrounding John Galliano's honour Galliano steps back from 2027 Met Gala Galliano announced Monday that he would step back from the forthcoming event following discussions with The Metropolitan Museum of Art and others involved in the exhibition. "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," Galliano wrote in an official statement on his Instagram handle. He added, "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." Also Read: Met Gala 2026: 10 most iconic looks of all time- Kim Kardashian, Lady Gaga, Tyla and more

<p>Following John Galliano's decision to withdraw from the planned 2027 Met Gala exhibition, Anna Wintour has reacted to the matter. She has shown support for the designer amid the renewed backlash.</p>

Anna Wintour reacts to John Galliano's 2027 Met Gala withdrawal; calls his decision 'very courageous'

<p>The Metropolitan Museum of Art and designer John Galliano have mutually decided to cancel the upcoming spring 2027 exhibition, "John Galliano: Horizons." Since the annual Met Gala relies on the spring exhibit to set its official theme and dress code, the 2027 event will no longer focus on Galliano’s work. On Monday, both parties released statements citing reflection over Galliano's 2011 hate crime conviction, with Galliano emphasising his decision to call off the exhibition to prevent distraction from the museum's mission and avoid causing further pain.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><h2><strong>Joint decision to halt the exhibition</strong></h2><p>The Metropolitan Museum of Art and British designer John Galliano announced on August 31, 2026, that “John Galliano: Horizons,” an exhibition slated to open in May 2027, will not move ahead as scheduled.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>That means the Met Gala theme and dress code for 2027, which is always tied to the spring exhibition, will also not be centred around Galliano’s work.&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition,” Metropolitan Museum of Art Director and CEO Max Hollein said in a statement announcing the news.</p><p>“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,” Galliano said in his statement which also shared by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p><p>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/met-gala-2027-theme-controversy-explained-the-debate-surrounding-john-galliano-s-honour-1785721686436">Met Gala 2027 theme controversy explained: The debate surrounding John Galliano's honour</a></p><h2><strong>Galliano Addresses past conduct and hate crime conviction</strong></h2><p>Galliano was convicted of a hate crime by a French court in 2011 for making antisemitic comments.</p><p>“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,” Galliano said in the statement.</p><p>“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. 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. Your wisdom, patience and humanity have helped me more than I can ever adequately express.”</p><h2><strong>Anna Wintour backs the decision</strong></h2><p>Anna Wintour, a museum trustee who oversees Vogue globally and organizes the Met Gala annually, also provided a statement.</p><p>&nbsp;</p><p>“John’s decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is. I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support,” Wintour said.</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and designer John Galliano announced the mutual cancellation of the Costume Institute’s May 2027 exhibition, 'John Galliano: Horizons.' Consequently, the 2027 Met Gala will no longer feature a theme or dress code tied to Galliano’s fashion archive.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art and designer John Galliano have mutually decided to cancel the upcoming spring 2027 exhibition, "John Galliano: Horizons." Since the annual Met Gala relies on the spring exhibit to set its official theme and dress code, the 2027 event will no longer focus on Galliano’s work. On Monday, both parties released statements citing reflection over Galliano's 2011 hate crime conviction, with Galliano emphasising his decision to call off the exhibition to prevent distraction from the museum's mission and avoid causing further pain. Joint decision to halt the exhibition The Metropolitan Museum of Art and British designer John Galliano announced on August 31, 2026, that “John Galliano: Horizons,” an exhibition slated to open in May 2027, will not move ahead as scheduled. That means the Met Gala theme and dress code for 2027, which is always tied to the spring exhibition, will also not be centred around Galliano’s work. “Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition,” Metropolitan Museum of Art Director and CEO Max Hollein said in a statement announcing the news. “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,” Galliano said in his statement which also shared by the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

<p>The Metropolitan Museum of Art and designer John Galliano announced the mutual cancellation of the Costume Institute’s May 2027 exhibition, 'John Galliano: Horizons.' Consequently, the 2027 Met Gala will no longer feature a theme or dress code tied to Galliano’s fashion archive.</p>

Why the Met Gala just cancelled its 2027 John Galliano theme

<p>Celebrity fashion designer John Galliano has now announced to ditch fur in any future works.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) senior vice president Dan Mathews revealed that designer John Galliano who is the creative director of Maison Margiela has announced his commitment to a fur-free policy at Margiela.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING: Iconic fashion designer John Galliano is the latest to go <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FurFree?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FurFree</a> after meeting with PETA ? SO many luxury fashion brands are sparing animals – the future is fur free! <a href="https://t.co/IegE7kBI3T">https://t.co/IegE7kBI3T</a> <a href="https://t.co/2Wtw1C9kB2">pic.twitter.com/2Wtw1C9kB2</a></p>
— PETA (@peta) <a href="https://twitter.com/peta/status/981254486126718976?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-bans-fur-sales-36632"><em>Also</em></a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/san-francisco-bans-fur-sales-36632"><em> Read:&nbsp;San Francisco bans fur sales</em></a></p>

<p>The Gibraltar-born British-Spanish fashion designer, John has previously served as the head designer of French fashion companies Givenchy, Christian Dior, and his own label John Galliano.</p>

<p>At present, he is the creative director of Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela.</p>

<p>Maison Margiela is not the only fashion label to adopt this fur-free policy but joins other brands that have in the recent&nbsp;pledged their support for the cause -- including labels like Gucci, Versace, Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, J. Crew and Furla.&nbsp;Just recently, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/entertainment-italian-brand-versace-to-stop-using-fur-donatella-versace-confirms-35902">Donatella Versace had announced to go fur-free in Versace.&nbsp;</a></p>


PETA shared the news on their official channel appreciating the efforts of designers all over the world to ditch fur

Celebrity fashion designer John Galliano has now announced to ditch fur in any future works. In an interview with PETA (People for Ethical Treatment of Animals) senior vice president Dan Mathews revealed that designer John Galliano who is the creative director of Maison Margiela has announced his commitment to a fur-free policy at Margiela. BREAKING: Iconic fashion designer John Galliano is the latest to go #FurFree after meeting with PETA ? SO many luxury fashion brands are sparing animals – the future is fur free! https://t.co/IegE7kBI3T pic.twitter.com/2Wtw1C9kB2 — PETA (@peta) April 3, 2018 × Also Read: San Francisco bans fur sales The Gibraltar-born British-Spanish fashion designer, John has previously served as the head designer of French fashion companies Givenchy, Christian Dior, and his own label John Galliano. At present, he is the creative director of Paris-based fashion house Maison Margiela. Maison Margiela is not the only fashion label to adopt this fur-free policy but joins other brands that have in the recent pledged their support for the cause -- including labels like Gucci, Versace, Tom Ford, Donna Karan, Michael Kors, Jimmy Choo, Ralph Lauren, Stella McCartney, Hugo Boss, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Giorgio Armani, J. Crew and Furla. Just recently, Donatella Versace had announced to go fur-free in Versace.

Celebrated designer John Galliano goes fur-free for brand Maison Margiela

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Anna Wintour reacts to John Galliano's 2027 Met Gala withdrawal; calls his decision 'very courageous'

Why the Met Gala just cancelled its 2027 John Galliano theme

Celebrated designer John Galliano goes fur-free for brand Maison Margiela