What a dramatic way to begin Paris Fashion Week! Just days before the catwalks in Paris are scheduled to begin, John Galliano was arrested and accused of yelling
more after the jump
anti-semitic insults at two women whilst on an alcohol fueled night out at a cafe in Paris last Thursday. The exuberant British designer was questioned by police who then released him, but did state that Galliano had a high blood alcohol reading.
In light of the drama, fashion house Christian Dior suspended Galliano who is currently the creative director for the major label stating that they have “zero tolerance” for anti-semitic behaviour. So with Galliano suspended by Dior, does that mean that the launching of the Fall-Winter 2011-12 collection will not be launched at Paris Fashion Week? Dior officials refused to comment but the horizon doesn’t look bright.
Galliano was ordered to meet with police and the two women yesterday afternoon at a police station in Paris to sort out what really happened, but the dramatics don’t stop there. Galliano’s lawyer confirmed on Saturday night that the designer was planning to take legal action against the two women and has filed a claim of defamation and injury, stating to police that he had never made any racist comments. Hmmm doesn’t look like that argument will hold up for long in court as a video of the racial outburst was captured on tape .Click on this link to watch the Video.
The Designer released a statement recently over the incidence.Excerpts
“Since the events of last Thursday evening I have not been able to make any public comment on what took place based upon advice from my French lawyer. However, given the continuing delays at the French Prosecutor’s Office I should make my position clear.
“I completely deny the claims made against me and have fully co-operated with the police investigation.
“A number of independent witnesses have given evidence and have told the police that I 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. For these reasons I have commenced proceedings for defamation and the threats made against me.
“However, I fully accept that the accusations made against me have greatly shocked and upset people.
“I must take responsibility for the circumstances in which I found myself and for allowing myself to be seen to be behaving in the worst possible light.
“I only have myself to blame and I know that I must face up to my own failures and that I must work hard to gain people’s understanding and compassion. To start this process I am seeking help and all I can hope for in time is to address the personal failure which led to these circumstances and try and earn people’s forgiveness.
“I have fought my entire life against prejudice, intolerance and discrimination, having been subjected to it myself. 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.
“Anti-semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologise for my behaviour in causing any offence.”
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