After hearing about the anti-Semetic rant, reading Melissa’s post, and watching the youtube video (disclaimer: offensive content), I figured it was only a matter of time before fashion designer John Galliano would be asked to step down as Dior’s lead designer. WWD reports that Dior ousted Galliano last Tuesday amidst mounting allegations that he uttered anti-Semitic insults, and an explosive video depicting him saying, “I love Hitler.”
TMZ reports that Natalie Portman, who just signed an endorsement deal with Dior (and is also Jewish) released a statement saying, ”I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced [Monday].”
The latest update, provided by NY Times, states that Galliano’s set to appear before the court in France to defend himself against the allegations. According to NY Times, French law makes it a crime to incite racial hatred; the statute has been used in the past to punish anti-Semitic remarks. The French advocacy group SOS Racisme said that it would support legal proceedings if the accusations were confirmed. ‘‘Mr. Galliano has added to the ignominy of his words with the cowardice of a denial,’’ it said in a statement.
Galliano responded, with an apology issued through his British law firm, ‘‘Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologize for my behavior in causing any offense.’’ In his defense, Galliano also responded in a statement issued by his counsel, that he was ”subjected to verbal harassment and an unprovoked assault when an individual tried to hit me with a chair having taken violent exception to my look and my clothing’’ during the altercation at a Paris cafe last week. Additionally, he has commenced a legal action for defamation.
If found guilty, Galliano may face up to six months in prison for his alleged racist outbursts, according to French prosecutors, who decided to put the British designer on trial after a police inquiry.