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Breaking: John Galliano Out at Dior Plus Rumors That His Ousting Was Orchestrated
By Leah Chernikoff
Following several allegations made against John Galliano for verbal abuse and the release of a cell phone video showing Galliano making shocking anti-Semitic slurs, Dior has just announced that they have fired their creative director, effective immediately (as in, within 24 hours, we hear), calling his statements and conduct “deeply offensive.”
“We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano which are total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior,” Dior’s president and chief executive officer Sidney Toledano said in a statement.
Dior’s ousting comes after a drama-filled week in which two separate claims of verbal abuse laden with anti-Semitism were filed against Galliano, and most recently, the release of a shocking video of Galliano on an anti-Semitic rant. “I love Hitler,” he says in the video, allegedly filmed at the same Paris cafe that was the site of the two other incidences. “People like you would be dead,” he says to a nearby patron, “Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f**king gassed.”
The Sun, the Brit tabloid that originally published the incriminating video, did not report when the video was taken. Suspicious? Pehaps.
Now we’re hearing rumors that the video was from October and released this week because Dior has wanted Galliano out for some time. It’s true, the timing of all this does seem suspect–the quickness with which Dior put Galliano on suspension, and the subsequent allegation that followed, capped by the release of the video, the final nail in Galliano’s coffin. Word is Galliano’s alcoholism (he was often reported to be seen drunk at La Perle) and bigotry had been problems for some time.
According to WWD, Dior still plans to show this Friday.
Designer(s): Christian Dior, John Galliano
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Regardless of when the video was made or released, it’s apparent the man has a problem. Maybe they sat on the video because they thought it was an isolated incident. Now it’s happened again…it’s time to go.
the hate on his face on that video was both terrifying and disgusting.
i believe people in fashion are the most cultured and with that idea in mind, I can’t believe someone as prolific as he is have such a backwards way of thinking.
visit my blog jerrlife.blogspot.com everyone.
the hate on his face on that video was both terrifying and disgusting.
i believe people in fashion are the most cultured and with that idea in mind, I can’t believe someone as prolific as he is have such a backwards way of thinking.
visit my blog jerrlife.blogspot.com everyone.
IT IS A PUBLICITY STUNT.
LMVH owns Dior who employs Galiarno. Check out LMVH website they STILL HOLD 100% OWNERSHIP of Gaiarno fragrances.
Therefore it is 100% LIP SERVICE PUBLICITY STUNT.
Sarah
It’s a publicity stunt because they didn’t sell Galliano Fragrances when the markets opened Monday morning? Really?
It’s a publicity stunt because they didn’t sell Galliano Fragrances when the markets opened Monday morning? Really?
It’s a publicity stunt because they didn’t sell Galliano Fragrances when the markets opened Monday morning? Really?
First, the fashion press conjure fake “witnesses” to say that Galliano never said anything of the kind, would never say anything of the kind. Now that the video proof of his bigotry is out, it’s become “Eeek! A conspiracy! It was a set up!”. This inane need to make Galliano out to be a victim, not Galliano himself, is what’s embarrassing for the fashion industry.
Dior may have wanted Galliano out (why wouldn’t they, his work has declined in quality dramatically over the last few years) but no one held a gun to his head just outside the frame of the video camera and fed him those lines. As for why the older video came out now…perhaps because the woman who took it read all the false defenses of Galliano and decided to shut them down by releasing her proof that he is, in fact, a racist prick?
Galliano was fired because he’s a racist bigot who goes off on drunken rants and verbally assaults his fellow Parisians. He deserved to lose his job, and he did. End of story.
it doesn’t mean he has to be publicly shamed because Dior doesn’t have the guts or integrity to fire him without a huge scandal.
How is it “publicly shamed” when the man himself said those things?? He shamed himself, and is digging his own grave.
When a celebrity goes off on a racist rant they deserve to be publicly shamed. Dior didn’t manufacture this scandal: Galliano did, by making the remarks you can listen to in the linked video.
I have spoken about this in my blog (directed towards the brasilian Market). It’s clear Galliano has been on Dior’s firing list for a long time. However, this doesnt relate to the fact that his remarks are just absurd and should be condemned. Galliano is a genius? Yes. And no one will disagree with that. But just because he’s a genius doesn’t mean he can be above others or the law. This is racism and he should be punished. It is very sad that we have to see someone we (as fashion-loving people) adore to be ousted like that, but there’s just no excuse to what he said. Very sad but it’s life. There are ignorant people everywhere – just a shame that Galliano is one of them. :(
Sounds like you’re making excuses for Galliano’s outrageous behavior…”it’s true, the timing of all this does seem suspect–the quickness with which Dior put Galliano on suspension…” Unless you are telling me that the figure in the video is NOT Galliano, or that somehow it is not his voice saying these despicable things, does it really matter? Yes, we all adore Galliano’s work. Yes, it is tragic that such a talented individual has such bigotry in his heart. But let’s not pretend there is some kind conspiracy afoot. Good grief.
Um, that’s not what the post says at all–read it. All it says is that there are rumors Dior has wanted Galliano out for some time. That is in no way making excuses for his appalling behavior. I’m Jewish–you really think I would make excuses here?
The Sun, the Brit tabloid that originally published the incriminating video, did not report when the video was taken. Suspicious? Pehaps.
That is what the post says. “Now we’re hearing rumors that the video was from October and released this week because Dior has wanted Galliano out for some time. It’s true, the timing of all this does seem suspect–the quickness with which Dior put Galliano on suspension, and the subsequent allegation that followed, capped by the release of the video, the final nail in Galliano’s coffin.”
It’s called sensational journalism. Not gonna hang every writer that does
that…even though some should be
Ibe – sent from my Evo
http://www.twitter.com/ibclothing
http://www.printmojo.com/InternationalBachelor/Store/index.php
http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Bachelor/106745112690428
It’s called sensational journalism. Not gonna hang every writer that does
that…even though some should be
Ibe – sent from my Evo
http://www.twitter.com/ibclothing
http://www.printmojo.com/InternationalBachelor/Store/index.php
http://www.facebook.com/pages/International-Bachelor/106745112690428
It’s actually plainly suggesting that this very valid scandal was orchestrated to occur in a certain way, so as to use it to dismiss him, precisely when they wanted to. At no time did Leah suggest at all that what he said was anything less than deplorable. I can’t decide if you’re being contrary or not, but this really should be apparent to you.
Not trying to be contrary, just object to the author using language that suggests that the man was fired for any other reason other than his racist rants. Perhaps the author could have done without the allusions to “suspicious” and “suspect” actions/timing of his firing. I’m really not interested in “rumour.” Dior handled it quickly and appropriately…they are a business and Galliano’s actions have done damage to the name/reputation/brand of Dior. If the author has real evidence of any other evidence, let her write about it in detail. I’ll be happy to read about it then.
thanks ben!
The idea that there is some sort of conspiracy going on is absolutely ludicrous. It is irresponsible and quite frankly, faulty logic, to jump to the conclusion that there was some sort of nefarious orchestration of events leading up to Galliano’s dismissal.
Yes, we all want people that we admire to somehow be redeemed, however, we are still faced with the facts. He was recorded saying these things and he was also arrested. These are unequivocal facts.
Now, we can construct some grand narrative to “save”, Mr. Galliano, however, when analyzed it is clear that these stories are simply too complicated and convoluted to be logical. If Dior had wanted Galliano out, they would have fired him, or asked him to leave. It would be preposterous to believe that in order to end their relationship with Mr. Galliano, Dior would need to drag Galliano’s, and Dior’s name through the mud. To believe otherwise is nonsensical.
Well said, BlackStar. “It would be preposterous to believe that in order to end their relationship with Mr. Galliano, Dior would need to drag Galliano’s, and Dior’s name through the mud.”
French employment law is notoriously rigid, which many argue has played a big part in the country’s soaring unemployment and unwillingness of new company’s to set up shop in France. Why do I mention this boring economic stuff? BECAUSE had Dior wanted to get rid of Galliano for a while that absolutely could not have “just fired him”. To be 100% correct he hasn’t really been “fired” yet, the company has begun the legal process of firing, which basically means they will have to fight, probably in court for the right to let him go.
Regardless of the rigidity of French employment law, there still remain legitimate courses of action which a company may take in order to remove or diminish the role of an individual.
I stand by my position, which would be that the simplest explanation is the most likely. It appears that John Galliano got drunk on multiple occasions and said some very dark, very disturbing and detestable things. This has led to actions being taken against him. This certainly makes more sense than the idea that there was a building tension between Dior and Galliano and the rigidity of French labor laws led the company to orchestrate Galliano’s ousting by showing Galliano to be an antisemitic alcoholic, through the use of hidden cameras and careful timing, damaging not only his reputation but the reputation of the company because it was ultimately more important to dismiss Mr. Galliano. Perhaps, more importantly than examining the logic of such a claim, there is simply not a shred of evidence to support a conspiracy.
1st I’d like to say that this man has the right to think and say whatever he wants regardless if his views are hurtful and ridiculous. 2nd Fashion Icon/genius/whatever means NOTHING if you are a hate p/o/s like Galliano.
(I am sure Hitler and a few of his officers had high IQ’s as well.)
I say that if he was set up in some sort of “conspiracy” it was probably because he deserved to be ousted for the scum that he is.
The only good thing that I can see coming out of this is people will be once again reminded of that tragic point in world history and see what the face of pure hate looks like.
Also all of the Nazi scum sympathizers will be reminded of how they are the EXTREME minority and always will be.
I’m following you on the free speech remark, I suppose, except that he is not at all entitled to express these thoughts, as they are illegal in the country he resides. So, no on #1.
It seems unlikely that Dior wanted John out – Dior had become almost the top earner for the group. It’s heartbreaking and devastating to have watched the video. Stunning and ugly. I think many in the fashion industry on the first day were stunned at what looked like a preemptive move by Dior – the suspension. That seemed insanely inappropriate for a designer employed for many years and now I wonder if Dior had seen the video prior to that act.
I don’t know whether John really is a racist or is having a mental breakdown strung over time.
I hope someone is there for him to get him help and counseling.
Just so sad to hear such ugliness.
Dear Fashionista, I don’t know why people are so constantly up your butt, but I appreciate that you aren’t afraid to expose both sides. An article about rumors of conspiracy followed by an article asking why the fashion community isn’t condemning Galliano (a recent tweet by Jessica Stam bothered me) seems to be well balanced journalism. Kudos to you guys.
This is really crazy
what’s so scary? is racism a new thing to you?
Thanks livesinamerica for not perpetuating the idiot Amerikan persona out there for all the world to see. I am also an American.
“the quickness with which Dior put Galliano on suspension”
Anti-semitic remarks are illegal in France, hence punishable by law. That may explain “the quickness.” And Dior is owned by LVMH, a huge corporation that cannot afford to sit back and wait. Too much is at stake and they’re not going to risk it all for a vile little pretentious man.
There’s no point in over-analyzing the situation or to look for conspiracy theories just because he’s THE John Galliano. The guy is full of hatred and a bigot, and his alcoholism is certainly no excuse for his disgusting behavior. (Besides, if consumed in great amounts, alcohol is known to be the “truth serum.”) I have lost all respect for him and am glad Dior got rid of him.
Scott Schuman compared his “throwing under the bus” (this phrase can die now) by the fashion world (before all the statements of defense) to the sports world. Specifically how team mates and coaches rally around a player accused of a crime until it is proven. I nearly doubled over at the absurdity of that idea. As though an employee of a corporation like LVMH can be likened to a player on a sports team.
Just some thoughts:
1. Galliano’s genius is irrelevant. The list of repulsive geniuses is long. From Ford – an avowed anti-semite, to Caravaggio, a murderer. There is a need to separate the product of genius from the personality. The personality in no way diminishes the product, but the repercussions differ by situation. Ford could afford to be anti-semetic, he owned the company. Caravaggio went to jail. Galliano got axed. All of this should be taken in context of the time, the place, and the offense. Open anti-semitism isn’t as accepted as it used to be…don’t forget that during the occupation, Coco Chanel spent most of it living with a Nazi officer, who was also her lover.
2. The talk of conspiracy, or odd timing is also irrelevant. It doesn’t matter if Dior wanted him out or not. Had Galliano not said what he said, none of this would be happening. The ultimate responsibility is with him. He owns what he says. And this idea of “theater” of Galliano that is being debated… give me a break. There is theater, and there is ugly hate. This is the latter. There is nothing theatrical about this. The fact that he was drunk is also not a defense…like Mel Gibson, people tend to be MORE honest when drunk, not less.
Condemning Galliano does not mean condemning his art or his contribution. I realize this is a tough position to balance, but the reality is that we’ve always treated artists this way. We’ve excused hideous behavior with the idea that “genius is different”. We go to museums, concert halls, and galleries to look, listen and absorb the art of numerous racists, anti-semites, and anti-socials. Appreciate the product, even as you condemn the person.
Your post is great.
Isn’t it, though?!
It succinctly and pretty damn accurately wrapped everything up in 3 short paragraphs.
Your post is great.
The key difference is that you don’t want to reward living hate. If Wagner was alive today, I wouldn’t buy his records, just as I don’t go to see Gibson’s movies. However, after Gibson is dead, I’m sure I can go back to enjoying his early work. This clown is alive today, so, unless he has the last recipe for water, I would argue it is unethical to support his creative endeavors, until he is accidentally run over by a hassid in Williamsburg.
That’s a matter of personal choice. You are free to do whatever your conscience dictates. However, where you draw the line feels arbitrary. There are plenty of dead people and active companies with checkered pasts. Many of them still earn significant returns on their work product – whether or not they were bastards. Volkswagen, any swiss bank, US Steel, and myriad dead artists whose estates still cash checks. The list is massive.
My point was that it is worthwhile to separate the work product from the source. Then make a determination on whether you can live with the source. In some cases, perhaps you can’t. In other, you can’t help but have to.
Galliano is not a great example in this case. Yes, he’s an artist, and yes he’s very very talented and influential. But he’s not Mozart, or Picasso, or Hemingway. He is not an artist whose product is so starkly and irrefutably brilliant that all personal traits become irrelevant and the product simply speaks for itself. If Mozart was a racist, anti-semite, tax cheat, or wife abuser it would do nothing to diminishes the brilliance of what he created.
As human beings, I believe we need to be able to make that distinction. Otherwise, we fall into a self-defeating, moralizing hole. If the rule is that only good or nice people can produce brilliant art, we would rule out a staggering amount of brilliant art.
Galliano may be an anti-Semitic douchebag, but his design is superb. These two facts can co-exist.
Amen, Vladelicious.
Friday is going to be totally fucking AWKWARD.
I wonder how much this will colour everyone’s view of the show Friday. Hating it would be easy so hopefully it’s not groundbreakingly incredible.
Nothing in this affair made any sense until the second racist phone camera footage came to light. The facts in the first reported incident did not seem to make sense – why would Dior suspend Galliano when the facts weren’t clear and an investigation had not been completed? Now it makes more sense: Galliano appears to have been a big liability for a long time, hence Dior hired a “bodyguard” (read minder) to keep a grip on him and try to defuse these sorts of situation when he became drunk and abusive. I am guessing that this has become an established pattern of behaviour and I would not be surprised that more came out of the woodwork with all this publicity. It would be interesting to know if Dior has “paid off” any other victims.
Unlike a lot of people who have commented, I have loved Galliano’s recent collections. but when it comes down to it, fashion is a personal and emotional choice. I can admire the beauty of plush fur, but I am totally against the use of it and the killing of animals for ethical reasons and would never, ever, buy it. Now it’s the same with Galliano, I may admire his work (though his anti-semitism is starting to change how I view it) but I would never financially support a man whose rantings seem straight out of Der Stuermer and who shares similar views to the Nazi madman and propagandist Julius Streicher.
And finally, how incredibly stupid is Galliano? The Nazis also systematically murdered homosexual men. If he was living in the age of the Third Reich he’d be wearing a pink triangle on his shirt – if he hadn’t already been gassed.
While this was appalling behavior and he did need to be fired and enter rehab, it is hypocritical to cite “bigotry” in an industry that is very blatantly racist on every level.
http://thatgirlattheparty.com
I have covered this in more detail on my blog at http://itsallabitponyandtrap.blogspot.com/2011/03/john-galliano-on-trial.html but I think it’s crazy that someone can actually go to jail for something they said in private when drunk, no matter how objectionable it was.
I just viewed the “I love Hitler” video. I think all of this is quite overblown in that Galliano is simply a fashion designer, not a politician or someone with great voice or importance as far as the ‘unwashed masses’ are concerned. Before seeing the video I thought the firing was ultimately justified, despite the fact that I don’t believe for a second that Galliano is alone in the fashion world, in terms of making ugly racist remarks. Upon seeing the video however, I think the entire thing is a sad joke. Galliano appears to be little more than a very, very drunk & mean little man shooting off at the mouth, rather than someone making a racist stance.
Maybe if people got their heads out of their asses long enough to stop recording everything with their cellphones & instead worked on addressing real issues like racism in the real world we’d all be a bit better off.