John Galliano Pulls out of Met Gala Amid Backlash — a 'Tone-Deaf Moment' for Anna Wintour’s Legacy

John Galliano has pulled out of the Met Gala amidst backlash.

On Monday, Galliano said via Instagram: “After much reflection and discussion with all those involved, I have decided, with great sadness, that it is best for the exhibition not to take place at this time.’’

This comes after a mounting campaign by New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin, wealthy donors to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and a host of Jewish leaders.

Behind the scenes, his critics argued that Galliano should not be honored by the Met.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York announced “John Galliano: Horizons,” an exhibition set to open in May 2027.

However, the announcement sparked criticism because of his past conviction for making antisemitic remarks.

Meanwhile, Galliano's move also affected the powerhouse's benefactor and his most influential supporter, Anna Wintour, the chief content officer of Condé Nast and former editor of Vogue.

She chose to remain defiant in her support for Galliano, issuing a fawning statement supporting his decision to step aside.

She called it “very courageous," prompting furious insiders at Condé Nast to label her seriously out of touch.

“This is a big tone-deaf moment,’’ one source said, per the New York Post. “People are questioning her judgment.”

Galliano was previously sacked as creative director of Dior in 2011 and was found guilty of abusing a Jewish curator in a restaurant in Paris, according to the BBC.

A court also heard that he hurled racist insults at her friend, who is of South Asian origin.

In a separate incident, Galliano reportedly declared a love for Hitler.

At the time, he apologised for his behavior, and his lawyer blamed it on "work-related stress and multiple addictions."

In the statement he shared on Monday, he said, "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," he continued. "It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning, and one's conduct over time."

Galliano also added that he did not want "to distract from the remarkable work" of the Met's Costume Institute and said he recognized and respected that "an exhibition honoring my work would be painful for some."