Galliano blames addictions for abusive remarks

British designer John Galliano has told a French court during his one day trial that his drug and alcohol addictions were to blame for an alleged anti-Semitic outburst.

It was a subdued Galliano who appeared in the dock to answer charges of racial abuse hurled at customers in a Parisian cafe. A video of the incident was shown in court.

Galliano’s lawyer Aurelien Hamelle said his client had no recollection of making the remarks:

“He saw that video and he saw a man strange to himself…He knows the person that is speaking those things is him. The only thing he wanted to say is that he isn’t anti-Semitic.”

If found guilty Galliano could face a six-month jail term and a hefty fine but the prosecutor in the case has said she is only seeking 10,000 euros in damages. The verdict is expected to be delivered on September 8.

Copyright © 2012 euronews