British designer John Galliano cancelled on Monday an exhibition that would be held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. The decision came after criticism from donors and political leaders related to anti-Semitic comments he made in the past. At 65, Galliano, former artistic director of Christian Dior, said he made the decision after reflecting and speaking with the people involved.
Galliano used his Instagram account to officially communicate the cancellation, saying that after much reflection and conversations with everyone involved, he decided that the best course of action would be for the exhibition not to take place at this time. The designer expressed great sadness when making the announcement.
The designer also again acknowledged the effects of his past statements, saying he remains fully aware of the pain caused by his words, in particular the harm he caused to the Jewish and Asian communities. Galliano said he remains deeply remorseful for the controversial comments he made in the past.
