New York – The fashion world is buzzing with criticism of Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour after the Met Gala’s 2027 exhibition honoring designer John Galliano was scrapped. Insiders told the New York Post that Wintour, who championed the project, should face greater scrutiny for overlooking the consequences of celebrating a figure with a history of racist and antisemitic remarks.
Backlash over Galliano’s past
Galliano, once the creative director of Christian Dior, was dismissed in 2011 after video footage surfaced of him making hateful statements, including praising Adolf Hitler and making derogatory comments about Jewish and Asian patrons. Though he rebuilt his career with Maison Margiela and later his own label, the decision to feature his work at the Costume Institute sparked outrage.
Industry voices split
“I wish Anna would take more accountability,” one source said, adding that she “reaps the rewards but avoids criticism.” Red‑carpet veteran Melissa Rivers noted that Wintour is “brilliant, but people rarely say no to her,” and suggested she misread the room on this occasion.
Other insiders defended Wintour, emphasizing that the Met’s board and curator Andrew Bolton also approved the theme. “It wasn’t her decision alone,” a source told the Post. “It was a team effort.” Bolton later said he supported the decision to cancel the exhibition, citing the museum’s responsibility to examine difficult histories with “rigor, candor and care.”
Galliano’s response
Galliano issued a statement saying he remains “fully accountable for the pain caused by my words” and that he believes a single exhibition cannot atone for past harms. He announced the exhibition would not proceed, describing the choice as “courageous.”
Wintour’s stance
Wintour praised Galliano’s decision, calling it “the right decision” and offering her full support. Yet critics argue her loyalty to Galliano sends the wrong message at a time when antisemitism is on the rise.
While some view Wintour’s support as an act of forgiveness and second chances, others contend that honoring Galliano on such a grand stage undermines efforts to combat hate. The debate highlights the tension between redemption narratives and the responsibility of cultural institutions to consider the broader impact of their choices.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
