The Met Gala has cancelled its John Galliano tribute.
Anna Wintour has sustained a rare blemish and embarrassment after trying to push through Galliano, convicted for antisemitism in France, as her honoree for next May’s gala.
The Metropolitan Museum’s own fundraising was imperiled by Wintour’s plan as major donors were horrified by her plan.
To make things even worse, the date of the Gala — May 3rd — coincides with Holocaust Remembrance Day.
Everything here was a debacle. As it is, the Met should not have the Gala on that day, anyway. (I’m surprised Wintour wasn’t celebrating Holocaust fashion!)
The Museum is positioning the change as Galliano withdrawing from the Gala. But it’s clear he was told the party was, indeed, over.
“Following thoughtful discussions with John Galliano, we have together decided not to proceed with the exhibition,” Max Hollein, director and CEO of the museum, said in a press release.
Galliano added: “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. 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.”
The Met had to put an end to this scandal. Last week they received a letter from New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin to reconsider the plan. After that, there was nowhere to go.
Now Wintour must find a new theme and honoree, and a sponsor willing to get involved with this calamity.
Whatever.
