Christian Dior has terminated its contract with John Galliano following a video showing the designer making antisemitic remarks. The fashion house cited 'odious behaviour' and a zero-tolerance policy towards antisemitism after a clip emerged of Galliano declaring 'I love Hitler' and suggesting that two women's parents 'would have been gassed'.
Galliano, 50, who had been creative director for 15 years, was already under police investigation after a couple complained he insulted them in a Paris bar. He denies the allegations, and his lawyer has filed a defamation counter-suit. However, the video, reportedly filmed in December, proved decisive for Dior.
The designer was due to present his autumn/winter 2011 collection on Friday; the show will proceed without him. Actress Natalie Portman, the face of Miss Dior Cherie perfume, expressed her disgust, stating she would not be associated with Galliano. Giorgio Armani expressed sympathy for his colleague.
Galliano, who has dressed Princess Diana and Carla Bruni and is designing Kate Moss's wedding dress, spent over five hours at a police station on Monday. Police have not charged him and are evaluating the credibility of the accusations.
