John Galliano's Candid Speech At The London Synagogue

2023 Author: Madeline Holiday | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-24 11:49

At the Connect conference, which takes place in the format of a series of events under the auspices of the British Jewish community, the designer spoke about his addictions, rehabilitation and what would have happened to him if he stayed at Dior.

Galliano's performance was the next step in his public rehabilitation in the eyes of the world and the Jewish community after a loud anti-Semitic scandal, in the epicenter of which the designer found himself in 2011. Then his harsh remarks cost him work at Dior and his own fashion house and almost destroyed his entire career.

In his speech at the Central Synagogue in London, Galliano not only once again tried to explain and apologize for his anti-Semitic remarks, but also spoke with stunning frankness about his addictions. “I am an alcoholic and drug addict, and this in no way justifies me. We, alcoholics and drug addicts, did not choose this disease for ourselves, but I took full responsibility for it and for my recovery. Every day I get a kind of reprieve from this disease, and I hope that this will lead me to a full recovery, "- these are the words of the designer, said at the conference, quoted by the British The Guardian.

Returning to the topic of his career at Dior, Galliano stated that it was the insane work schedule at the fashion house and the constant pressure from the management that led him to abuse drugs and alcohol. And those, in turn, to a nervous breakdown. To the question of what would have happened if there had not been a scandal and dismissal and he would have continued to work at Dior, the designer answered briefly but succinctly: “I think I would be dead”.

During the conference, Rabbi Barry Marcus was constantly with John, who played a huge positive role in the rehabilitation of Galliano and his return to the world of fashion. He also gave a speech in support of his ward: “This is not the Jewish way. We must be generous. I want to talk to you about forgiveness. And I ask this if only because even if there are angels among people, most of us regret some of our actions."