Galliano Guilty Verdict for Racist Rants

Former chief fashion designer at Christian Dior, John Galliano, was found guilty of making “public insults” based on origin, religion, race or authenticity after an incident where he spouted racist and anti-Semitic insults at drinkers in a bar. Galliano’s 6,000 euro fine was suspended in light of his apparent contrition, but he was ordered to pay court costs and lawyers fees amounting to 16,500 euros as well as symbolic damages of 1 euro to each of the five complainants.

Galliano unleashed a tirade of insults against Geraldine Bloch, telling her she had a “dirty Jewish face” and was a “fucking ugly Jewish bitch.” Prosecutors showed the court a video of Galliano, taken at the same bar last October, where he told two Italian women “People like you ought to be dead, your mothers, your forefathers would all be… gassed. I love Hitler.” Galliano claimed he had no recollection of either incident due to his addiction to alcohol, Valium and sleeping pills.

The judge in the case noted that “All insults aimed at a person’s origin or religion are of a singular gravity and as such harm the fundamental principles of respect and dignity between humans.” Singular gravity? As in a singular euro? Galliano, who is a multi-millionaire, is said to feel very contrite after the verdict.