John Galliano Finally Explains Himself

Even those who don't closely follow fashion news most likely caught wind of John Galliano's infamous 2011 anti-Semitic slur, and now it appears that the designer has done some serious introspection when it comes to his attitude.

After Galliano made several offensive comments to two fellow patrons at Parisian bar La Perle, and a video in which Galliano praised Hitler was leaked in March 2011, the designer was forced to step down from his role as Creative Director of Dior. At the time of Galliano's departure from Dior, the company's president and CEO Sydney Toledano explained to the press that he wholeheartedly disagreed with Galliano's antics and attitude, saying,

I condemn most firmly the statements made by John Galliano which are a total contradiction with the essential values that have always been defended by the House of Christian Dior.

Soon after, Galliano fell off the fashion industry's radar, during which time the designer attended a rehabilitation program to address his alcoholism and drug addiction. In 2013, Galliano published an interview with Vanity Fair in which he discussed his recovery process and the thought process — or lack thereof — behind his insulting comments.

However, Galliano's recuperation and quest for redemption thankfully appears to be a continued endeavor, as he recently sat down for yet another interview on his past transgressions, this time with French publication Le Point. In it, Galliano seems to take ownership of his actions, saying,

I don't want to look for excuses, but just explain what addiction can do to somebody. I felt provoked…

Galliano further elaborated that negative influences from peers and his father during his childhood contributed to his actions, and his years in rehab created more self-awareness, stating:

These past three years have taken me on an incredible journey. I have come face-to-face with my demons, the pills and alcohol. I have been on a withdrawal programme, and rebuilt myself.

Though the fashion community and, indeed, the world of former Galliano-admirers may not be ready to welcome the designer back with open arms, but it is refreshing to see the couturier take responsibility for his misdeeds and begin to make amends.