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Dior suspends Galliano for anti-Semitic remarks

By FashionUnited

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Fashion

Despite Paris fashion week just around the corner, fashion house Dior has suspended its British creative director John Galliano over claims he racially abused a couple in a Paris restaurant. Police briefly detained Mr Galliano on Thursday night after

the couple accused him of making anti-Semitic remarks. He also allegedly traded slaps with them.

Dior said it had "zero tolerance towards any anti-Semitic or racist words or behaviour" and said in a statement: "Pending the results of the inquiry, Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his responsibilities."

Mr Galliano took over the creative helm at the company in 1996. He has been awarded the title of British Fashion Designer of the Year on four occasions.

Making anti-Semitic remarks is punishable in France by up to six months in prison.

"We don't know the precise nature of the incident but Mr Galliano was detained after a couple made a complaint last night," a Paris police spokesman said.

Mr Galliano's lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, told AFP that the designer "formally denies the accusations of anti-Semitism made against him".

Mr Zerbib said his client would take legal action against those making such accusations. Thursday night's incident is believed to have occurred on a cafe terrace in the Marais district, which has historic associations with the Jewish community and with the gay community in more recent years.

A "wall of names" memorial was recently installed in the quarter to commemorate the 76,000 Jews deported from France during World War II.

Image: John Galliano
Dior
John Galliano