John Galliano anti-Semitic trial begins; designer blames substance abuse

Former Christian Dior designer John Galliano has emerged for his first-day trial in Paris for allegedly hurling anti-Semitic comments at a couple in February.

The 50-year old British designer has planned to face the case by portraying himself as an alcohol and substance abuser. Dressed in black, with a scarf around his neck, Galliano was joined in court by a host of journalists including fashion writers.

The entire trial is actually based on three incidents; one that took place in October 2010 and the other during February 2011. Later, when a video of him shouting I Love Hitler emerged, he lost his job at Dior.

If found guilty, Galliano will face a total of 6 months in jail and a fine of $33,000 for hurling public insults based on the origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity.

His lawyer, Aurelien Hamelle, strongly maintains that he has a triple addiction to alcohol, benzodiazepine (Valium) and sleeping pills. He further informed that the combined effect of these drugs is a state of complete and utter abandon.