In the wake of mounting allegations that John Galliano made anti-Semitic and racial slurs on multiple occasions, Christian Dior has fired its star couturier with immediate effect.
In a brief statement, Dior said because of the “odious behavior” of Galliano portrayed in a video circulated Monday, Dior has sidelined him and initiated proceedings to fire him.
Sidney Toledano, Dior’s president and chief executive officer, said, “We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano which are in total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior.”
The dismissal came as a second complaint alleging an anti-Semitic verbal assault was filed with Paris police, and after Natalie Portman, a face for Parfums Christian Dior, denounced Galliano and disassociated herself from him.
The video depicted Galliano in a row with his neighbors at a café. In a slurred voice, he appears to say “I love Hitler,” makes references to people being “gassed” and utters expletives.
Galliano joined Dior in 1996 after one year as couturier at Givenchy. Galliano also has a signature brand that is controlled by Dior and spans designer clothing, jeanswear, children’s wear and accessories.
It is understood that Dior intends to go ahead with its runway show on Friday. quoted from Womens Wear Daily writer Miles Socha.
This is really sad for the house of Dior which was revamped and brought back to life from Galliano in 1997. As for John Galliano I am really sad that he is full of such hatred for another race and I think this will be a good lesson and good tiime for him to reflect on his actions and reflect on himself as a person. The lesson learnt is be careful what you say, words are very powerful and have extreme consequences.
I wonder who will be the next new Creative Director for Dior?? We will all have to wait and see is someone else can fill such HUGE creative director shoes.
