Last Thursday evening the designer, who was responsible for the rejuvenation of the Miss Dior Cherie fragrance in 2005, was reprimanded by police following complaints of racist and antisemitic behaviour, by a couple in Paris.
“I completely deny the claims made against me and have fully co-operated with the Police investigation,”
Galliano was initially silent on the matter, but yesterday, following further accusations and the release of a video, Galliano felt that given continuing delays at the French Prosecutor’s Office, he had to make his position clear.
“I completely deny the claims made against me and have fully co-operated with the Police investigation,” he said.
Defamation and threats
He also stated that he has commenced proceedings for defamation and threats made against him, of which he claims a number of independent witnesses have stepped forward to tell police how he was victim of an unprovoked assault and verbal harassment, based on the way he looked.
However, the couturier did accept that the accusations made against him had shocked and upset people, and wanted to apologise for this.
“Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologise for my behaviour in causing any offence,” Galliano said.
Seeking help
He concluded by stating he was seeking help in an attempt to regain people’s understanding and compassion.
“I must take responsibility for the circumstances in which I found myself and for allowing myself to be seen to be behaving in the worst possible light,” said the fashion designer.
Fashion house Dior ended its 15 year relationship with Galliano yesterday following the emergence of the video in which he appeared to be drunk and making antisemitic comments.
The company’s fragrance poster girl and Oscar-winning actress, Natalie Portman also spoke out stating she was ‘proud to be Jewish’ and did not want anything further to do with Galliano, following the allegations.