Designer Galliano to face French trial in June

PARIS (AP) - Former Dior designer John Galliano will go on trial on June 22 on charges that he made racist insults, accusations that rocked the fashion world and cost him his coveted job.

Galliano’s downfall began in February when he was detained in a drunken state and questioned about accusations that he hurled anti-Semitic insults at a couple in a Parisian cafe. The couple filed a legal complaint, and another woman then accused him of similar insults.

The Paris court announced the trial date Thursday. Prosecutors have said Galliano could face up to six months in prison and euro22,500 ($31,000) in fines, if convicted of “public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity.”

Soon after the initial allegations, a video circulated online in which the designer praised Adolf Hitler.

On the eve of Paris Fashion Week, Dior fired Galliano after 14 years with the company and denounced his comments.

Galliano issued a statement at the time saying: “Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologize for my behavior in causing any offense.” Galliano also said he was “seeking help” for his personal failures, without elaborating.

After joining Dior in 1996, Galliano made an indelible mark on the storied house, with theatrical, often outrageous, runway shows that were among the most-anticipated displays on the Paris fashion calendar.

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