Met Faces Backlash Over Galliano Exhibition and Gala Plans

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is facing significant backlash and internal review over its plan to honor fashion designer John Galliano with a major exhibition and gala, a decision that has sparked a debate about accountability, antisemitism, and the role of cultural institutions. The museum announced in July that Galliano would be the subject of "John Galliano Horizons," a nine-month retrospective at the Costume Institute set to launch with the Met Gala in May 2027. The announcement has drawn sharp criticism from public officials, Jewish leaders, and donors, prompting the Met's board to consider altering the event's date and schedule an emergency meeting to address the controversy.