John Galliano Says 'Sorry' to Jewish Community

Photo by Patrick Demarchelier

As he attempts a comeback on the fashion scene with a new job as creative director of Belgian label Maison Martin Margiela, fallen-from-grace designer John Galliano has received the support of Rabbi Barry Marcus, of the London Central Synagogue. Together, they worked on a Jewish educational project held at the BDO, an international law firm.

Galliano used this opportunity to apologize for his anti-semitic rant in Paris, in 2011, which caused him to be sacked from Dior.

"I am an alcoholic. I am an addict," Galliano said. "This is in no way an excuse. We alcoholics and we addicts are not responsible for our disease. However, I do take complete responsibility for my recovery and making amends."

Galliano said he had been trying to find ways to blame others for his behaviour, but had "finally come to terms with what happened and...my part in it."

Rabbi Marcus said the Jewish community should forgive Galliano, explaining, "That is not the Jewish way. We should show a little graciousness. I want to talk about forgiveness. I am asking because most people, apart from the angels among us, most of us have done something we regret."

Pressure is also to blame for Galliano's breakdown. At the time, he was creating 32 collections a year for the house and his eponymous line. "I wasn't living," he said, and thought that if he'd continued overworking while abusing substance, he "would be dead."

The fashion industry seems to have grown over the scandal: Galliano's debut collection for Margiela received positive reviews across the board.

[H/T: i-D]