John Galliano Blames Drugs, Alcohol for Alleged Anti-Semitic Rants

By Kelly Fisher Posted Jun 23rd 2011 07:53AM

John Galliano, who was arrested for spewing alleged anti-Semitic and racist remarks in Paris earlier this year, told a court Wednesday that his actions stem from a drug and alcohol problem.

According to RadarOnline.com, the former Dior creative director claims he has no recollection of his actions or hurtful remarks he hurled and claims he is not racist.

French prosecutors hope to convict Galliano on charges that he berated café customers with anti-Semitic and racist insults over multiple occasions. If convicted, the shamed designer could face six months in jail and a $30,000 fine.

The charges stem from two different incidents in October and February. A cell phone video from a third occasion captures the designer on film declaring "I love Hitler" and referencing the Holocaust.

"I do not have these views and I have never held them," Galliano told the court after viewing the video. "All my life I have fought against prejudice, intolerance and discrimination, having been subjected to it myself."

Galliano claims the death of a close friend made him turn to alcohol and drugs in 2007, and also used them to cope with his stressful job in the fashion industry.

"After every creative high, I would crash and the alcohol helped me," he said, adding he was in "complete denial" about his substance abuse at the time of his February arrest.

The verdict from the quick, day-long trial is expected at a later date.

Galliano was fired from Dior and his own clothing line in April due to the fallout from his arrest and alleged racial slurs.

Tags: John Galliano

Comments

(18)

Thursday 23 June

By Ethel Madnick

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I'm surprised he didn't blame the Devil - as in "The Devil made me do it" He blamed everyone but himself

By Janice

No one forced him to drink alcohol or take drugs. Another abuser unwilling to accept responsibility for his actions.

By HB

Yeah, Mel Gibson made him do it!
Get real. All alcohol and drugs contribute is a breakdown in inhibitions. If it wasn't in their thoughts already, they wouldn't have said it. I admired Gibson for a long time until he opened his mouth... now I have no time or interest in him.

By themeeker

Nice try Mary, but you said those things because they were inside you and the drugs and alcohol just loosened your lips. This crazy queen thinks we're all stupid. He can go to he!!.

By John

As if anyone believes that.

By Wondering

It's a bit hard to believe his excuses considering it happened at least three times. With the loss of his job and the possibility of prosecution I guess now he will have an reason for drinking and doing drugs.
If convicted then he'll make someone a good prison b**ch and I'm guessing they be more tolerant of his Nazi viewpoint.

By jerzfox

In vino veritas: In wine there is truth.

By Catherine

I blame YOU, Mr. Galliano, for your racist rants.
Accept responsibility for your personal failings.
Get counseling.
I can only imagine how you treated your employees.

By joan

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Right you are Catherine. I guess Mr. Galliano cannot find a job and thinks the drink and drug excuse will get him one.....NOT. He and Mel Gibson could start a club for racist and anti semitic spewing. Two disgusting individuals who ruined their own careers with just doings.

By YellowRose3218

Drugs do make people do and say, terrible things, all the more reason to never take them.
I have known some people who have ruined their lives, by opening their ignorant mouths, this is just one more of them.

By howardfrenkfort

Why do people have a need to hate someone? If you put someone, anyone, underneath yourself, does it elevate you in any way?

By ME64250

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To feel superior, to control and abide by the "tricle-down" theory. THE AMERICAN WAY! All those people pointing their fingers and act surprised and supposedly outraged. FORKED TONGUED HYPOCRITES!

By Bob

Idiots like these always use the same old escuse alcohol and drugs. And actually they are what they say.

By Kathy

Mel Gibson already tried that excuse and it didn't work. LOL

By Lesa

John, please get help. You are so talented and you inspire me as well as so many others. I have watch so many people I have loved lives be destroyed by drugs and alcohol. I have had to suffer the loss of many of those I have loved, and when I started to self destruct, I sought help. It was the best thing I have ever done for myself. self medicating doesn't work, but talking to someone and sharing your pain can be cathartic. Please, for your sake , get help. You are an amazingly talented person, and I know the pain you feel, I too have felt it. Please don't destroy what you are, you can be such an inspiration to many. Try to make this a positive thing, it will take time, but time does help.

By Kate

MAN UP! TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOUR ACTIONS...YOU ARE A TOTAL TOOL!

I don't think it's possible for him/her to man up. At least not in the sense you are suggesting.

By cj

In no way should he be excused for what he said. However, I totally disagree that because you say things in anger while drunk or on drugs is truly what you feel. I have been drunk and said totally stupid things that do not express my true feelings. That is just naive and way too easy to say.

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