John Galliano Loses Title Over Anti-Semitic Rants
French President Francois Hollande reportedly has stripped fashion designer John Galliano of his Legion of Honor medal because of anti-Semitic behavior.
French media reported that a presidential decree published on France’s official journal said Galliano may no longer wear the medal – France’s highest honor – which he received in 2009.
Last year Galliano, a British citizen, lost his job as design director at Dior after he was filmed making anti-Semitic statements.
A French court later ruled he had made “public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity” in several incidents.
In one incident, Galliano stated his love for Adolf Hitler at a Paris bar and told people he believed were Jewish that their mothers should have been gassed.
He blamed his outbursts on addictions to drugs and alcohol. Galliano is 51 years old.
The text of the decree, which was published on Aug. 20, was not immediately available as French authorities issue such announcements only in printed form.
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