On August 31, John Galliano released a statement on his social media announcing the cancellation of next year’s Met Gala Exhibition that was going to honor him. His decision came following backlash over his past antisemitic comments. Recently, the Met trustee, Anna Wintour, revealed that the 2027 theme of the fashion event will honor John Galliano.The British designer, who has worked with brands like Givenchy and Dior, has also been among controversial fashion figures for his racist remarks. In his latest statement, John Galliano thanked Max Hollein, Andrew Bolton and Anna Wintour for their proposal of honoring him at the next Met Gala.He went on to address the online criticism and said that he remains ‘fully’ accountable for the words he used in the past. He also apologized to the Jewish and Asian communities for the pain he caused with his racist remarks.John Galliano wrote:“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... 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. I understand that meaningful atonement is not achieved through an exhibition, institutional recognition or a single public gesture. It is a continuing responsibility, demonstrated through listening, learning and one’s conduct over time.” View this post on Instagram Instagram PostHe went on to say that he doesn’t want to place the Met Gala in a difficult position; therefore, he took this decision.“I do not want the debate surrounding me to place the Met in a difficult position or to distract from the remarkable work of the Costume Institute. I also recognize and respect that an exhibition honoring my work would be painful for some.”John Galliano also thanked everyone who helped him in his recovery from alcoholism and addiction.More about John Galliano’s past antisemitic remarksThe fashion icon kicked off his career in 1995 with Givenchy. Later, he assumed his office as the creative director for Dior in 1997. He worked for Dior until 2011, when his career took a sharp turn due to a series of antisemitic comments.For those unaware, Galliano reportedly expressed his fondness for Hitler and verbally assaulted a group of Jewish ladies earlier in December 2010. The fashion designer was drunk when he was caught on camera insulting some Jewish women in Paris bar La Perle. He said:“I love Hitler. ... People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers would all be f**king gassed.”In another incident, he racially abused a couple following his late-night drinking session. John was arrested by the police, following which Dior suspended him on February 25, 2011. In March that year, Dior fired Galliano. The brand also said that they have zero tolerance against any antisemitic behaviour.Galliano attributed his blowup to a combination of alcohol, Valium, and sleeping medications, claiming impaired memory of the incidents. In court, John also shared that he is getting treatment.Later in September that year, he was found guilty of making offensive comments and received $8,400 (€6,000) in suspended fines.