PARIS — The designer John Galliano was sacked Friday from his own fashion label following his alleged anti-Semitic rant in a Parisian cafe during which he said he loved Adolf Hitler.
The British-born designer was removed from his post at his self-titled business by French couture house Christian Dior, which owns 91 per cent of Galliano’s business.
Dior has reportedly handed control to its in-house fashion team, which has been charged with creating a new collection.
The French firm terminated Galliano’s contract as Dior’s head designer shortly after claims of his anti-Semitic rant emerged six weeks ago — but he had retained his role at his own label until Friday.
Galliano, 50, is to stand trial in Paris in June on charges of “public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity.” If found guilty he faces up to six months in prison.
Following his arrest, the superstar fashion designer apologized for his behavior through his lawyers, but denied being anti-Semitic.
“I completely deny the claims made against me and have fully cooperated with the police investigation,” Galliano said, adding, “anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologize for my behavior in causing any offense.”