UPDATE: Dior announces Galliano’s termination, effective immediately.
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Natalie Portman, the face of the Miss Dior Cherie fragrance, released a statement today calling the video of Dior creative director John Galliano‘s drunken anti-Semitic tirade shocking and “disgusting.” Portman, who is Jewish, said flatly that she will cut ties with Galliano, but made no mention of her connection to the Dior label. Her statement, released late yesterday in Los Angeles, below.
“I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced today. In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful.”
This statement is the first verbal comment Portman has made about Galliano’s anti-Semitism, which made headlines all over the world last week when a couple accused Galliano of hurling racist insults at them in a Paris cafe. It was widely speculated that Portman canceled her plan to wear a Dior dress to the Oscars last Sunday as a result of these allegations, choosing to wear a purple frock by Rodarte to collect the prize for Best Actress. She made no comment on Galliano on the Oscars red carpet.
The New York Times reports that it’s unclear how Portman’s contract with Dior will be affected, but we’re guessing it would be a lot more difficult for Portman to sever ties with Dior than to publicly shame Galliano. It’ll take a lot more than a carefully worded statement to get out of what is no doubt a multi-million dollar contract with a global beauty company.
We can’t say for sure whether Portman wants to get out of her contract with Dior, but the house’s management was quick to suspend Galliano after it heard of these accusations. Only time will tell if that swift action will salvage such a key relationship.
Meanwhile, executives at LVMH, the company that owns Dior, have made no indication that the Dior show, scheduled for March 4, or the John Galliano show will be canceled.
Related:
Natalie Portman Denounces John Galliano [WWD, Subscription Required]
Video Raises Questions for Designer [The New York Times]
Natalie Portman Condemns Galliano [On The Runway]
Earlier:
WATCH: John Galliano Gets Mobbed By Press At Paris Courthouse
John Galliano’s Racist Rant Caught On Video: ‘I Love Hitler’
Galliano & Female Accuser Ordered To Meet At Police Station
John Galliano Files Defamation Claim Against Couple
New Witness: Galliano Didn’t Assault Anyone, Wasn’t Arrested
Dior Suspends Galliano: “We Have A Zero-Tolerance Policy”
Galliano Arrested For Anti-Semitic Remarks, Alleged Assault