Anna Wintour wearing dark sunglasses at a high-fashion runway show
Celebrity

Anna Wintour’s Met Gala Nightmare: Vogue Staff Allegedly ‘Mortified’ Over John Galliano Drama

Insiders claim Condé Nast staffers are secretly spiraling over Anna Wintour's decision to embrace the disgraced designer.

By Rae MitchellPublished Updated 2 min read

Fashion's biggest night is reportedly turning into a backstage nightmare before the red carpet even gets rolled out. Condé Nast employees are allegedly spiraling over Vogue chief Anna Wintour’s decision to spotlight controversial designer John Galliano in connection with the upcoming Met Gala. According to a new report, staff members working under the legendary fashion editor are reportedly "mortified" by the move. Insiders claim that employees are actively gossiping and expressing serious discomfort about the situation behind closed doors, fearing the public backlash could severely tarnish the prestigious charity event. ## why is john galliano controversial met gala Galliano was once the undisputed king of high fashion as the creative director of Christian Dior. However, his career imploded in 2011 when video footage surfaced of him making violent antisemitic and racist remarks at a Paris cafe. The scandal led to his immediate firing from Dior, a conviction in French court, and years of exile from the global fashion establishment. While Galliano eventually mounted an industry comeback—most notably heading Maison Margiela until stepping down recently—his revived presence on high-profile carpets remains deeply polarizing. Bringing his work back into the epicenter of the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s annual gala has reportedly reopened old wounds and triggered fresh outrage among young staff members. ## how is anna wintour reacting to galliano backlash Despite the growing panic inside the building, sources claim that nobody has dared to confront Wintour directly. Known for her ironclad control over both Vogue and the Met Gala, the Condé Nast chief executive is reportedly blissfully unaware—or simply unbothered—by the internal chatter. Employees are allegedly terrified of facing her wrath, choosing to keep their grievances strictly off the record. The Met Gala relies heavily on celebrity power and massive corporate sponsorships. With public scrutiny mounting over Galliano's involvement, staffers are reportedly worried that sponsors and A-list guests might be dragged into the fallout. Whether the whispers behind Wintour's back will lead to any official changes remains to be seen. But right now, the mood inside One World Trade Center is reportedly filled with extreme tension as the event approaches.

The photos · 6

Anna Wintour wearing dark sunglasses at a high-fashion runway show
“Everybody is whispering behind [Anna’s] back, but nobody is saying anything to her face,” a Condé Nast insider exclusively told reporters on Monday. (Pictured above: Wintour on the runway earlier this month.)
Condé Nast staffers are “all ‘yes-ma’aming’ [Anna] like they’ve always done,” the.
The were being discussed behind the scenes.
The insider claimed that staffers were reluctant to challenge the famously powerful Met trustee and Vogue’s global editorial director (pictured above in May 2025) directly. Kevin Mazur/ for The Met Museum/Vog
Earlier this month, the museum and Vogue announced plans to honor Galliano with an exhibition celebrating his career.

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People also ask

Why is John Galliano controversial?
John Galliano was disgraced in 2011 after a video surfaced showing him making antisemitic and racist slurs at a Paris bar, leading to his termination from Dior.
Is John Galliano involved in the Met Gala?
Reports indicate Anna Wintour is highlighting Galliano in connection with the Met Gala, sparking debate and internal pushback among staffers.