Natalie Portman 'Shocked and Disgusted' by John Galliano Video
When Natalie Portman stepped onto the 2011 Oscars red carpet in a violet Rodarte gown, some took it as a sign that the face of Miss Dior Cherie was distancing herself from the luxury label and its disgraced designer, John Galliano.
Now the actress is making her view on the suspended Dior creative director's alleged anti-Semitic views crystal clear in an outraged statement to the media.
"I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced," says the Oscar winner, who is Jewish and has been vocal in her support of Israel.
"In light of this video, and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish, I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way. I hope at the very least, these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful.”
Portman is referring to a just-released video that appears to show Galliano saying "I love Hitler" as he taunts a group of bar-goers. The incident is said to have been filmed weeks prior to the designer's alleged anti-Semitic rant toward a couple in a Paris bar and his subsequent detainment by French police.
Of course, not everyone is completely writing him off. Roberto Cavalli has said that he "cannot believe" the accusations against his friend, while a Vogue Italia blog post attributed to editor Franca Sozzani has suggested that the Galliano is a victim of a conspiracy. Hilary Alexander of the Telegraph, meanwhile, has written that the "fallen idol" needs help, not condemnation.
"I am not for a moment excusing his behavior," Alexander writes.
"There will come a time when he must confront the viper in his breast. But, right now, this is a moment in his life when he needs support and love from the industry he has given his life to."
Update: Dior has announced that it is firing Galliano.
