John Galliano ‘racism’ trial commences in Paris, France
John Galliano attends trial in Paris, France (pic: Getty Images)
A gaunt-looking John Galliano cut an unusually understated dash as he arrived at a Paris court today to answer charges of racism, according to reports in the Daily Telegraph. The British designer, known for his flamboyant, often heavily-themed dress wore a sharply tailored three-piece black suit with a black and white polka dot tie, and black brogues, clearly playing it straight for such a serious accusation.
Galliano arrived at court just before 3pm, and the charges were read out by the presiding judge, as reported by the Telegraph’s Paris correspondent Henry Samuel: "On Feb 24 in a public place you are accused of insulting Mme Géraldine Bloch over her origins, the fact that she belongs or doesn't belong to a race or ethnic group by telling her 'dirty Jewish face'. On same date claimed same against 41-year-old Philippe Virgitti, tell him 'fucking Asian bastard'."
Speaking through first a translator, and then his lawyer, Galliano has admitted to being in recovery from a drink and drugs problem, for which he took anti-depressants "like candy" and which had been exacerbated by his father’s death. He also confessed that, while he couldn’t remember everything about the night, he does recall the plaintiff being aggressive towards him.
The trial is expected to last one afternoon, with an outcome expected in September. Galliano faces up to six months in jail as well as a £21k fine if found guilty of casting "public insults based on the origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity" at three people.
The Daily Telegraph Paris correspondent is posting real-time updates throughout the trial, which is due to finish at 7pm (6pm BST). Click here to read about the Galliano racism trial in Paris it as it happens.
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