John Galliano Anti-Semitic Rant: Oscar de la Renta Gives Disgraced Designer Second Chance [VIDEO]
After being exiled from the fashion industry for almost two years, designer John Galliano has been welcomed back to the industry by Oscar de la Renta.
Galliano was fired from his role as creative director of Christian Dior after being filmed making anti-Semitic comments in a bar in Paris in February, 2011.
During the rant, he said: "I love Hitler and people like you would be dead today. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be f*****g gassed and f*****g dead."
The YouTube video went viral and after being dismissed from Dior, he also left his own fashion label. He was convicted by a French court on two counts of anti-Semitic behaviour.
However, Oscar de la Renta has now invited Galliano to spend time at his studio over the next three weeks. This was confirmed in a company statement from the French fashion house.
"He [Galliano] has worked long and hard on his recovery and I'm happy to give him the opportunity to re-immerse himself in the world of fashion and re-acclimate in an environment where he has been so creative."
De la Renta also said he has known Galliano for years and that he is a "great admirer of his talent". It is unknown what Galliano's position will be at the company.
Anti-Defamation League welcomes designer's return
Speaking about the racist incident, Galliano said: "Several years prior to my sobriety, I descended into the madness of the disease. I said and did things which hurt others, especially members of the Jewish community.
"I have expressed my sorrow privately and publicly for the pain which I have caused and I continue to do so. I remain committed to making amends to those I have hurt."
Over the last few years, Galliano has met with the Anti-Defamation League, a group that fights anti-Semitism, bigotry and extremism.
Abraham Foxman, national director of the ADL, said the group welcomes Galliano's return to fashion: "We believe that individuals can change their hearts and minds as long as they demonstrate true contrition.
"[Galliano has] dedicated a significant amount of time to researching, reading, and learning about the evils of anti-Semitism and bigotry."
Galliano joined Dior in 1996, moving from his position as designer at Givenchy. His own label's 2013 fall/winter collection by designer Bill Gaytten was shown on a Paris catwalk yesterday. Gaytten refused to comment on Galliano's return to fashion.
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