It was only a matter of time before members of the fashion industry began to lend their two cents to the Galliano debacle, and after an incriminating video of the designer slurring his way through a racist rant surfaced yesterday, people began to choose sides. First, Vogue Italia's Franca Sozzani blogged that the video looked like a setup; later, Giorgio Armani spoke to the Telegraph on the matter:

Speaking through a translator, the Italian fashion designer said he was sorry that John Galliano had been video taped without his knowledge and added that it was obviously a difficult time for him.

The Christian Dior label has remained silent after issuing a statement last week that Galliano would be suspended pending the investigation's conclusion and subsequent charges filed. Christian Dior Parfums face Natalie Portman, on the other hand, released an announcement about the situation today:

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.

Following a meeting between Galliano and the three plaintiffs at a Paris police station yesterday, a spokeswoman from the Paris prosecutor's office said that the police inquiry would likely continue through the end of the week. After that, the matter would be passed onto the prosecutor's office, where it would be decided if the accusations against Galliano are worthy of charges being filed. “I’m not sure what will be decided … If it ever does go to court, it could take weeks, maybe even months,” she said.

Natalie Portman Denounces John Galliano [WWD]
Giorgio Armani 'sorry for' Galliano [WWD]
Earlier: Galliano Hit With More Allegations of Anti-Semitism, Plus Damning Video
Related: John Galliano Went to the Police Station, Stayed for Five Hours, and Then Left

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Filed Under: galliano, christian dior, franca sozzani, giorgio armani, john galliano, natalie portman