No recollection of anti-Semitic abuse: fashion designer Galliano

No recollection of anti-Semitic abuse: fashion designer Galliano

Former Dior designer John Galliano, 50, took the stand Wednesday and testified that he remembers nothing about allegedly using anti-Semitic slurs at a Paris café because of his “triple addiction” to alcohol, barbiturates and sleeping pills.

Prosecutor Anne de Fontette didn’t request jail time, but asked for a fine of no less than $14,400 for Mr. Galliano. The verdict in the one-day trial is expected at a later date.

After a couple contended that Mr. Galliano made the comments in February, Mr. Galliano was taken in by police for questioning, and a sobriety test showed he was drunk. Another woman then came forward with similar claims about another incident in the same café in October. Both accusations were being addressed at Wednesday's trial.

Charges that the outspoken British designer insulted several patrons shocked the fashion world and cost him his job at the renowned French high-fashion house.

French law prohibits public insults toward others because of their origins, race or religion. Mr. Galliano could ultimately face up to six months in prison and up to $32,175 in fines. Three judges heard the case.

One member of the couple allegedly insulted, Geraldine Bloch, told the court that Mr. Galliano pronounced the word “Jewish” “at least 30 times” in the approximately 45-minute-long altercation.

Asked why, in their statements, no one else at the café appeared to have heard Mr. Galliano say the word Jewish, Ms. Bloch replied, “I am very surprised.”

“He didn't say it any softer or louder than the other commentaries,” she said.

When asked if the designer appeared to be drunk, Ms. Bloch responded, “I don't know if he was drunk but he was behaving completely strangely.”

Judges then asked why she remained seated next to him. Ms. Bloch said he had upset her so much with his “gratuitous insults,” that staying there became a “question of principle” for her.

Another patron of the café, 30-year-old English teacher, Marion Bully, was called as a defence witness. Ms. Bully said she was surprised that instead of changing tables, the couple ordered another drink.

“It was very difficult to tell who had insulted whom,” she told the court..