Former Dior Designer John Galliano Convicted, Fined for Racist Abuse

John Galliano, the British fashion designer, has admitted in court to making anti-Semitic insults at a Paris restaurant, and was given suspended fines amounting to 6,000 euros ($8,400).

Prosecutors had asked for a fine of 10,000 euros ($14,000).

In addition, Galliano was order to pay a symbolic “euro” in damages to each of his victims and to five anti-racism groups who had filed complaints against him. In addition, he will incur legal costs for four of the groups

Prosecutors could have demanded a prison sentence since the charges Galliano faced (public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity) carry a maximum sentence of six months in jail.

Galliano did not attend the sentencing hearing.

Galliano, who blames his drug and drinking addictions for his racist outburst, said he has no memory of the incidents, but apologized for his actions. He claims he has undertaken treatment for his addictions.
He had already lost his job at the Christian Dior fashion house over the scandal, while his reputation in the industry has likely been permanently damaged.

According to BBC, one of Galliano’s lawyers told reporters after the judgment was handed down: Mr. Galliano is relieved. Relieved that these eight months are behind him. He is looking forward to a future with understanding and forgiveness, hopefully, and to put all of this behind him.

The affair relates to incidents that occurred in October 2010 and February 2011 at La Perle cafe in the Marais district of Paris.

Reportedly, Galliano insulted and humiliated museum curator Geraldine Bloch for being Jewish in one of the incidents.

In another incident, a drunken Galliano stated his love and admiration for Adolf Hitler.

Galliano had a stellar career in high fashion. He joined Dior in 1996 and gained the British Fashion Designer of the Year on four occasions. He worked for French haute couture Givenchy prior to joining Dior.

Galliano is of Spanish-Gibraltar descent.