The Metropolitan Museum of Art is facing growing criticism over its plan to honor John Galliano, the British fashion designer convicted of a hate crime in 2011 for antisemitic remarks. Galliano, who previously led Dior, is set to headline a nine-month Costume Institute exhibition launching with the annual Met Gala, overseen by Anna Wintour, Vogue’s global editorial director and Met trustee.

Opposition has mounted among Jewish leaders and donors, with some threatening to withdraw financial support. Julie Menin, New York City Council speaker, called the decision "a serious mistake" in a letter to Met leadership, including director Max Hollein and curator Andrew Bolton. She emphasized that cultural institutions receiving city funding must show that "hatred and bigotry carry consequences."

Art world figure Arne Glimcher also criticized the plan, warning of lasting repercussions and reconsidering future donations. Jill Kargman resigned from the Friends of the Costume Institute in protest. Rabbi David Ingber described the situation as placing the Jewish community in a "no-win position."

In 2011, a French court found Galliano guilty of making hateful remarks about Jews and Asians. A viral video also captured him saying "I love Hitler" before being fired from Dior.