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File photo of John Galliano with a Dior collection in 2010. AP Photo/Jacques Brinon
John Galliano

Galliano faces trial over racist comments, say French police

Paris prosecutors say designer will be put on trial, as Galliano releases statement apologising for causing any offence.

FRENCH PROSECUTORS SAY they have decided to put fashion designer John Galliano on trial over his alleged racial insults.

The designer was questioned by police last week after a couple alleged he had made anti-Semitic remarks to them at a Parisian cafe.

The Paris prosecutor’s office said today that the trial could take place in the second quarter of this year, with Galliano facing up to six months in prison and a find of up to €22,500 if convicted.

Fired

Yesterday, Dior announced it had begun proceedings to fire Galliano after a video was posted online showing Galliano saying “I love Hitler”.

Galliano was Dior’s creative director and oversaw the label’s ready-to-wear collection for the autumn-winter 2011/2012 season which is due to be unveiled on Friday at Paris Fashion Week.

The controversy drew sharp criticism from one of Dior’s own models, the actress Natalie Portman, who features as the face of their Miss Dior Cherie perfume campaign. The actress released a statement saying she would no longer be associated with Galliano in any way.

Galliano released a statement in which he addressed the first alleged incident, saying: “I completely deny the claims made against me and have fully cooperated with the police investigation”.

The statement also said:

Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologise for my behaviour in causing any offence.

- Includes reporting by the AP.