Will Galliano Go To Jail?
John Galliano could be headed from the fashion house to the big house.
French prosecutors have confirmed they’ll [press charges][1] against the disgraced designer, who was fired from Christian Dior this week after the release of a video that showed him launching an anti-Semitic tirade at a Paris cafe last fall. Galliano told shocked onlookers, “I love Hitler,” and that their relatives would have been “f—ing gassed” by the Nazis.”
[1]: http://cocoperez.com/2011-03-04-john-galliano-to-stand-trial-over-anti-semitic-remarks/?from=PH Veritable lynching: http://abcnews.go.com/International/wireStory?id=13036591
Though a few of his fashion-industry colleagues have expressed support for Galliano, the designer is not getting any sympathy from the French justice system, at least so far. Prosecutors say the designer will stand trial later this year, where he could receive a sentence of up to six months in prison and fines of as much as 22,500 euros (roughly $31,000). The designer will face charges of making “public insults based on the origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity” of his Jewish victims.
French prosecutors aren’t the only ones already involved in legal maneuvering. Galliano’s lawyer is seeking to portray his client as the victim of the incident, saying he suffered a “veritable lynching” in the wake of the video’s release.
Hello, fellow Forward reader! I’m Joel Brown, a Forward reader and supporter for more than 15 years, and currently the chair of the board of directors.
I’m an avid Forward reader because it ticks so many of my essential boxes: excellent journalism, Jewish focus and diverse viewpoints. In today’s political climate, what I most appreciate is the Forward’s independence — made possible by the generosity of its membership.
The Forward is committed to bringing you unbiased, nuanced Jewish news. From my position as board chair, I see an exciting future as we expand our position as the definitive independent voice of contemporary American Judaism.
— Joel Brown, Forward board chair
