Image Source: The Hollywood Gossip
BY EMOKE BEBIAK
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The French court found former Christian Dior head designer John Galliano guilty of a hate crime. The verdict came eight months after Galliano’s infamous anti-semitic rant in a Parisian cafe.
CBS News explains that wasn’t Galliano’s first such comment, an earlier instance was, in fact, videotaped...
Reporter: “Prosecutors showed jurors this video allegedly shot by two Italian women in that same cafe months before.”
John Galliano: “I love Hitler. People like you would be dead today...”
According to French law, racial insults can carry a sentence of up to six months in prison. Galliano got off with a suspended fine of $8,500-- “suspended” meaning he doesn’t have to pay any of it. What he does owe is $23,000 in court fees and a symbolic 1 Euro in damages to each complainant. Al Jazeera says Galliano’s apology and addiction problems played a role...
“The court explained its relatively lenient decision with Galliano's lack of criminal convictions, his previous regard for respect and tolerance and the treatment for drug and alcohol addiction he has sought since his arrest.”
The New York Times writes Galliano apologized saying, as a homosexual, he fully understands discrimination. Galliano wasn’t present for the verdict, but his lawyer tells the BBC -- Galliano is ready to leave the past behind...
“Mr. Galliano is today relieved, relieved that these eight months are behind him. He’s looking forward to a future with understanding and forgiveness, hopefully...”
But the fashion industry doesn’t seem to be forgiving. Dior fired Galliano right after the accusations came to light, and the guilty sentence further damages Galliano’s already tarnished reputation. Time explains the sentence and the fines aren’t the fashion designer’s biggest problems...
“Of course, the high-fashion designer's career took a much bigger hit... [T]he verdict--coming in just before Fashion Week is about to kick off--further highlights just how far the designer has fallen.”
According to the Wall Street Journal, the sentencing is important for the Dior house, too, as it struggles to make the next step...
“Now that Mr. Galliano's case is closed, fashion experts anticipate Dior will name a new designer to replace him in the coming weeks. The house's collections—designed by the studio for the last six months—have suffered during the interim.”
The paper says Louis Vuitton designer Marc Jacobs will likely step up as Dior’s next creative director.
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