Troubled designer John Galliano blamed his addiction to alcohol, sleeping tablets and valium for his recent anti-Semetic remarks during his court appearance yesterday (22.06.11).
John Galliano has blamed his addiction to alcohol, sleeping tablets and valium for his recent anti-Semetic remarks.
The troubled designer - who reportedly launched a verbal attack on a couple in a Paris cafe in February and was fired as Christian Dior's creative director in March after a video showed him apparently drunk, telling a woman in a cafe he "loved Hitler" - was in court yesterday (22.06.11) where his lawyer blamed his behaviour on his substance abuse problems.
Aurelian Hamelle told the Paris court: "One obvious thing is that John Galliano was ill. He had a triple addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepine (valium) and sleeping pills."
The lawyer said Galliano - who has since been in rehab to receive treatment for his addictions - was mortified to see how he acted in the video and denies being anti-Semetic.
Five people were to give evidence in the trial, which ended yesterday, and the verdict is due on September 8.
If he is found guilty, he faces a fine of up to £19,500 and a six-month prison sentence.
Following the incidents, Galliano apologised for his remarks.
He said: "Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologise for my behaviour in causing any offence."