(JTA) — Fashion designer John Galliano went on trial in Paris for making anti-Semitic and racist remarks to patrons at a local cafe.
Galliano arrived at the courthouse Wednesday afternoon. He could face up to six months in prison and a fine of about $32,000 on charges of "public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity."
In February, Galliano was videotaped making racist remarks at La Perle bar; a similar incident reportedly occurred in October. After the video of Galliano surfaced showing him shouting "I love Hitler," he was fired March 1 from his job as head designer at Christian Dior.
Actress Natalie Portman, a spokeswoman for Dior fragrances, criticized Galliano’s anti-Semitic comments, saying she was "deeply shocked and disgusted."
Since being fired from Dior, Galliano has been in treatment for alcohol and prescription drug abuse, according to reports. He has said he is not an anti-Semite and that he made his rants under the influence of drugs and alcohol. He also apologized for his statements.
