Christian Dior Ousts Galliano With Immediate Effect

Done at Dior

Legendary fashion label Christian Dior has inevitably reached its tether with the intense situation surrounding head designer John Galliano. In a bold announcement early Tuesday, Dior president and chief executive officer Sidney Toledano denounced Galliano's "odious behavior" in a recently leaked video depicting the designer's racist outburst. “We unequivocally condemn the statements made by John Galliano which are in total contradiction to the longstanding core values of Christian Dior". Toledano has confirmed termination proceedings have been initiated and are in full effect.

Dior's statement comes shortly after two separate cases of anti-semetic allegations against Galliano surfaced within the past few days. A second incident from October 2010 was captured on video and posted by British tabloid The Sun igniting a firestorm of media activity.

Meanwhile, Natalie Portman, the new face of the label's "Miss Dior Cherie" perfume and a proud Jewish woman, has swiftly disassociated herself from Galliano in a statement Tuesday. "I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today,” said Portman. “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."

John Galliano has been head designer of Christian Dior's haute couture and ready-to-wear divisions since 1996.

According to WWD, it is understood that Dior intends to go forth with its scheduled show March 4 for Paris Fashion Week.