Dior to Fire John Galliano - Wall Street Journal (blog)

By WSJ Staff

Christian Dior launched a dismissal procedure against John Galliano, its star designer, the French fashion house announced in a statement today.

Dior is taking action to distance itself from anti-Semitic statements Galliano allegedly made at a Paris bar last week.

Dior, which is part of the luxury goods empire of LVMH Mot Hennessy Louis Vuitton, said its dismissing the designer because of the "odious behavior and comments" Galilano displayed.

Mr. Galliano's actions are currently being investigated by French police.

On Saturday, Mr. Galliano filed a defamation lawsuit against the Parisian couple who accused him of anti-Semitic and racist slurs, says Mr. Gallianos lawyer, Stephane Zerbib.

Its also been reported that actress Natalie Portman, who is Jewish and the new face of Miss Dior Chrie perfume, said that she is "shocked and disgusted" by Gallianos comments.

The Christian Dior runway show is scheduled for Friday at Paris fashion week.