Global General

Former Dior designer on trial for anti-semitic slurs

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-06-22 22:59

British designer John Galliano for French fashion house Dior appears at the end of his Spring/Summer 2011 women's collection during Paris Fashion Week in this October 1, 2010 file picture. Christian Dior has suspended star fashion designer John Galliano pending an inquiry into allegedly anti-Semitic remarks, it said on Friday. Galliano was escorted home by French police late on Thursday after a drinking session that ended with him hurling insults at a couple, according to a police source. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS - Former Dior designer John Galliano, dressed in black, went on trial Wednesday, charged with hurling anti-Semitic slurs in a Paris cafe - allegations that shocked the fashion world and cost him his job at the renowned French high-fashion house.

Galliano, sporting a pencil mustache with his long hair hanging down his back, emerged from months out of sight for Wednesday's proceedings.

Galliano is charged with "public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity" and could face up to six months in prison and euro22,500 ($32,175) in fines. The verdict is expected at a later date.