Anna Wintour's team speaks out anonymously on Galliano scandal

Employees at Anna Wintour's company are reportedly upset over how she handled the decision to honor designer John Galliano at the Met Gala.

A source close to the situation has anonymously come to the front, revealing, "Everybody is whispering behind [Anna's] back, but nobody is saying anything to her face."

"They're all 'yes-ma'aming' her like they've always done," the insider told Page Six.

The source said that some staff had concerns about honouring Galliano but were afraid to speak up directly.

"That's how something like this gets this far in the first place. People are afraid of losing their jobs, so nobody wants to be the person who stands up and says, 'This is a bad idea,'" the insider explained.

This comes after Galliano, 65, announced on Monday that he was stepping back from an upcoming museum exhibition planned in his honour, following criticism over past remarks he made years ago that were widely condemned as antisemitic and racist.

In his statement, Galliano said, "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."

Wintour responded with her own statement, saying, "John's decision that the exhibition devoted to his work should not take place at this time is very courageous and a measure of the man he is. I believe this is the right decision, and both he and the Museum have my full support."

Wintour had previously defended Galliano publicly, describing him as one of the most talented designers of his generation and saying the planned exhibition would not avoid discussing the difficult parts of his past.

The museum has said more details about a new exhibition will be shared at a later time.

Galliano's fans slam 'cancel culture'

Reaction beneath Galliano's Instagram statement was largely sympathetic.

Many commenters argued that he had already faced real consequences for remarks made 15 years ago and questioned how long someone should be expected to keep apologising.

"In how many languages ​​and how many ways could you still apologize??? Even this has its limits!" someone commented.

Several praised his talent and legacy in fashion, arguing he still deserved recognition for his body of work despite his past.

"This is a real shame. The reality is, John is one of the best to ever do it! His skill and eye for fashion is unmatched!! It would’ve been one of the best MET exhibitions and a well deserved one. He apologised for his mistake that he made many years ago & has been doing the work to be a better person. Are humans not allowed to grow, evolve & do the work to better themselves?," a second fan wrote in Galliano's support.

One commenter, identifying as Jewish, offered a more balanced view, stressing that antisemitism should never be excused, while also expressing belief in the possibility of genuine personal growth and change.

"As a Jewish woman, this statement speaks to me deeply. Antisemitism must never be minimized, excused or forgotten. Words matter, and so does accountability. But Judaism also teaches us 'teshuvah' to acknowledge the hurt we have caused, take responsibility, learn and genuinely change. The past cannot be erased, but I believe in the human capacity to grow and do better."

Others also found it unfair how public figures are often judged forever, even after they try to make things right.

Where it all began

Galliano's remarks date back to 2011, when he was filmed at a Paris café making antisemitic and racist comments, including declaring, "I love Hitler."

He was later found guilty in a French court of publicly insulting people based on their origin and was fined equivalent to $8,500 as a result. The incident led to his firing from Dior.

Having gone under the radar for three years with only a few appearances, such as designing Kate Moss' 2011 wedding dress and working on a collection for Oscar de la Renta in 2013, Galliano was appointed new creative director of Maison Margiela in 2014. He then made his comeback in London for Maison Margiela in January 2015. He remained at Margiela for a decade before departing the role in December 2024.

Galliano has since taken on a new project: in March 2026, Zara entered into a two-year "artistic partnership" with him, where he reworks pieces from the retailer's past collections into new designs.

Galliano has previously spoken about his past controversies, expressing remorse in a documentary interview from 2024, titled High & Low — John Galliano.

“I can say I’m not racist, but every day you actually learn that all of us are a bit. But we just need to unlearn it and like immigrants. I am one. I was one,” he said at the time.