After a 15-year run with the French fashion label, British designer John Galliano was fired from Christian Dior on Tuesday.
Dior's decision comes just after weeks of drama surrounding
two separate claims against Galliano - one of verbal abuse laden with
anti-Semitism and one of a video released by the British publication, the Sun.
"I love Hitler," he says to a nearby patron in the video. "People
like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f****
gassed."
"We unequivocally condemn the
statements made by John Galliano which are total contradiction to the
longstanding core values of Christian Dior," said Dior's president and chief
executive officer Sidney Toledano in a public statement.
Dior is not the only one speaking out.
Academy Award winner and the face of Miss Dior Cherie,
Natalie Portman, said in a statement to People
Magazine:
"I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video," said Portman, 29. "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. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful."
According to CBS news, Paris prosecutors have ordered British designer John Galliano to stand trial for allegedly making racial insults during an altercation at a Paris cafe last week. If convicted, Galliano could face up to six months in prison and up to $31,203 in fines.
Galliano issued a public statement today denying the allegations.
"I only have myself to blame and I know that I
must face up to my own failures. In all my work, my inspiration has been to
unite people of every race, creed, religion and sexuality by celebrating their
cultural and ethnic diversity through fashion. That remains my guiding light,"
said Galliano.
According to WWD, Dior is still planning a showing Friday as part of Paris Fashion Week.