A few weeks ago, John Galliano was arrested in Paris for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks. He was arrested after a witness called the police, but nothing else could be done as there was no proof. No more than three days later, a video confirming the accusations toward the then-Dior designer hit the web. Galliano was instantly criticized by the millions who had seen the video, while somehow defended by his peers in the world of high fashion. Galliano was instantly suspended from Dior, and his Paris show was cancelled.
As this was right before the Academy Awards, many attendees opted for a different gown than the Galliano original they were planning to wear, and as karma would have it, the two stars who didn’t change their choice of gown- Nicole Kidman and Sharon Stone- were quickly placed on the worst dressed list. Then, Natalie Portman, who I have never particularly liked until now, came into the picture. As the face of Dior’s perfume as well as an Israeli Jew, Portman said she was “disgusted” with Galliano, and would not be associated with him. Then, Galliano was out.
Now, the man who first accused him, Philipe Virgitti, has come out to say that he does not think Galliano is racist. "For me it was a simple bar dispute." However, Virgitti did admit that the now former Dior designer used anti-Semitic language, but he still doubts Galliano’s racism. “I'm not convinced now that he really meant [what he said]. I don't think he is racist or anti-Semitic. I just think he's very ill."
He continued, "John Galliano does not deserve this. I would like Mr Galliano to benefit from this unhappy story by drinking a little less and getting back to making the dresses and shows that he did so well."
A bit late, Virgitti.
(As seen on JoonBug)
