Met Gala Trustees Consider Rescheduling After Backlash Over John Galliano Honor

Metropolitan Museum of Art trustees are reportedly "mulling" whether to move the Met Gala from its scheduled May 3 date, which coincides with Holocaust and Heroism Remembrance Day, to a later week. The discussion follows growing criticism of the museum’s decision to honor British designer John Galliano, who was convicted of a hate crime in France in 2011 for antisemitic remarks.

According to two New York Times reports, museum leaders have met with Jewish clergy and community figures over the past year to gauge concerns about the exhibition dedicated to Galliano’s work. The Times’ fashion director Vanessa Friedman and style writer Jacob Bernstein said trustees are "scrambling to do damage control" and are evaluating a possible postponement.

City Council speaker Julie Menin wrote to museum director Max Hollein, Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton and chief fashion editor Anna Wintour, calling the choice a "serious mistake" and urging cultural institutions to demonstrate that "hatred and bigotry carry consequences." She emphasized that the honoree reflects the institution’s values.

Art dealer Arne Glimcher warned that the decision could affect future donations, stating he and his wife are reconsidering bequests to the museum. Long-time patron Jill Kargman announced she is stepping down from the Friends of the Costume Institute over the controversy.

Museum director Hollein told the Times that the Met "has no tolerance for antisemitism, racism or prejudice of any kind" and that the institution is consulting Jewish leaders while developing a plan that meets its ethical standards.