AJC Praises Christian Dior for Firing Designer Galliano Over Remarks Glorifying Hitler

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Mar 02, 2011, 11:10 ET

NEW YORK, March 2, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AJC praised the noted fashion house Christian Dior for firing designer John Galliano after his shocking remarks were recorded on camera.

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"Christian Dior has shown that there can be zero tolerance for pro-Nazi, anti-Semitic tirades," said AJC Executive Director David Harris. "Nonetheless, it is baffling and disheartening that admiration for Nazism – and hatred of Jews – is so deeply ingrained in the heart and soul of such an individual."

AJC was appalled by the revelation of Galliano's rant, caught on video, in which he told some patrons in a bar: "I love Hitler" and "people like you would be dead" and "your mothers, your forefathers gassed."

Oscar award-winning actress Natalie Portman, who represents a Dior product, expressed shock and disgust.

"As an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way," Portman said.

"Natalie Portman's principled and powerful stance regarding this outrage should serve as a model for how to respond such blatant bigotry," said Harris.

SOURCE American Jewish Committee