Galliano Headed to Rehab, May Fight Dior's Decision, Karl Lagerfeld is "Furious"

John Galliano may be headed to rehab. According to one report, friends of Galliano, who have remained anonymous, may have convinced the designer to seek help, for what is presumed to be alcoholism.

He has reportedly been convinced to “go immediately into rehab”, although nothing has been confirmed publicly yet.  In other news, Galliano is also set to fight back against his Dior dismissal - he has employed London lawyer Gerrard Tyrrell, of Harbottle and Lewis, who has previously represented Kate Moss throughout her 2005 cocaine scandal. A source commented on the news:

 “Although it has not been publicly confirmed, a colleague of Mr. Galliano said that the designer would fight his dismissal from Dior and now has retained the London lawyer Gerrard Tyrrell, of Harbottle & Lewis, who represented the model Kate Moss in 2005 when she was accused of cocaine use.”

Chanel head designer Karl Lagerfeld has also voiced his opinion on Galliano, stating that he is 'furious' with the designer. Karl commented on the situation: "I'm furious that it could happen, because the question is no longer even whether he really said it. The image has gone around the world. It's a horrible image for fashion, because they think that every designer and everything in fashion is like this. This is what makes me crazy in that story."

"The thing is, we are a business world where, especially today, with the internet, one has to be more careful than ever, especially if you are a publicly known person, you cannot go in the street and be drunk - there are things you cannot do. I'm furious with him because of the harm he did to LVMH and [chairman and ceo] Bernard Arnault, who is a friend, and who supported him more than he supported any other designer in his group, because Dior is his favourite label. It's as if he had his child hurt."

 Galliano's own line is scheduled to go ahead at Paris Fashion Week, although it is uncertain what the future of the label is currently. Kate Moss, who stated directly before the scandal that Galliano will make her wedding dress when she ties the knot to Jamie Hince (and is also a close friend of the designer), is yet to comment on her thoughts. 

Hollywood actress Natalie Portman, who the current face of the Dior fragrance Miss Dior Cherie, has blasted the designer for his anti-semitic remarks. She commented that she is 'disgusted' by what he said: “I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano’s comments that surfaced today. 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.” 

Also commenting on the situation, Alexandra Shulman, editor of Vogue UK: "I think Galliano made a terrible mistake and such offensive behavior could not be ignored. It is all the same true that he has a huge talent and has contributed enormously to the resurrection of the house of Dior. Who can predict what the future will bring?" 

Friends and models who have worked with the designer have also tweeted their responses. Model Jessica Stam Tweeted: "I'll miss you John, you're so talented. I love the Jews and what he said is awful, but also sad to watch him leave Dior."

Model Chanel Iman: "I love John Galliano. I’ve been working with him for years and he is one of the most amazing, genius men in this business. He is one of the most creative, genius designers that I’ve worked with and he’s so open to all types of people. He’s loving and he’s caring and I wish him all the best."

Designer Roberto Cavalli: "I don't believe [it]. Because I know John since many years, he's such a wonderful person. I can't believe that he makes some racist [comments] toward somebody, because he's so international . . I don't want to judge anybody, but I love John and John, I am with you."

Giorgio Armani: "I'm very very sorry for him. It's obviously a difficult time for him. I am also very sorry that they videotaped him without him knowing."

British Journalist Hilary Alexander: "What devils possessed Galliano we may never know. What private hell he is living through is equally unknowable. But one thing is certain: he needs help. I am not for a moment excusing his behavior. 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."

Many believe that in order to move forward, his first move should be to apologize, and simply to admit that his comments were wrong.  Max Clifford, PR and damage-control expert, told WWD: ""He needs two or three Jewish friends to come forward and tell the public that he is not remotely anti-Semitic in all the years they have known him. Or he has to say it was meant to be a funny rant, or that he was just trying to annoy to the people sitting next to him."

What do you think John should do next? Comment below! 

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