By now we’ve all heard about the anti-Semitic scandal involving John Galliano, the designer credited with reviving the popularity of Dior. Galliano’s anti-Semitic rant came to light last week at the onset of Paris Fashion Week. Celebrities and fashion’s heavy hitters continue to weigh in on the topic surrounding Galliano, but we at GlobalGrind want to know what you think. (If you don’t know all of the facts in this case, don’t worry, we have them.)
A drunken Galliano was arrested at a Parisian bar for making hateful remarks about Jewish people after, he says, he ‘was subjected to verbal harassment and unprovoked assault.’ Some say he was clearly taken advantage of and provoked into this behavior. Italian Vogue Editor, Franca Sozzani said, ‘It’s obvious that this was a bit inauthentic in the sense that if you are truly fighting with someone, you don’t have time to pick up a mobile phone, turn on the video GIGGLING and mockingly film what he is saying.’ His attorneys have stated that a counter-complaint for defamation and aggression has begun.
Though accusations of anti-Semitic rants were originally denied, video footage of Galliano shows him saying, ‘I love Hitler. People like you [Jews] would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f***** gassed,’ referring to the gas chambers in concentration camps. Galliano has also been accused of telling a woman that she had a ‘dirty Jew face.’ The crowd that he was verbally abusing, however, was comprised of French and Italian people, none of which are Jewish.
(PHOTOS + VIDEO) WTF! Christian Dior Creative Director John Galliano Loves Hitler????
The British designer, now in a rehab facility, made an apology maintaining that he is not anti-Semitic. He said, ‘anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologize for my behavior in causing any offense… I only have myself to blame. I am seeking help and all I can hope for is time to address the personal failure which led to these circumstances.’
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Since the surfacing of this controversial video, Christian Dior has moved from suspending Galliano, to flat out firing him. Sidney Toledano, Dior President has said, ‘The House of Dior declares with the greatest firmness its policy of zero-tolerance regarding any anti-Semitic or racist statement or attitude.’ The John Galliano label line will no longer hold a runway show during Paris Fashion Week, but will instead opt for a small presentation of its collections on Sunday.
Hollywood has been buzzing with its reactions to the remarks made by Galliano. Actress and a Miss Dior Cherie poster-girl, Natalie Portman, was one of the first celebrities to speak out against Galliano saying:
‘I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced today… In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way.’
Daphne Guinness and Jaime King have also condemned Galliano. One would think that more A-listers would be as offended as Natalie Portman, but we are seeing that many celebs are actually speaking in defense of Galliano. Roberto Cavalli, Giorgio Armani, and Chanel Iman are amongst those showing him their support.
Patricia Field told WWD, ‘John lives in theater. It’s theater. It’s farce. But people in fashion don’t recognize the farce in it. All of a sudden they don’t know him.’ While Cavalli said, ‘I can’t believe that he makes some racist remark to
