Stephane Zerbib, Galliano's Lawyer, Speaks

Galliano's Lawyer Speaks

John Galliano's lawyer Stephane Zerbib spoke to YNetNews.com about the charges of assault and anti-Semitism against his client. Zerbib, who himself is Jewish, explained that he's worked with the designer for the last seven years and he never sensed any sort of prejudices.

Some excerpts from the interview:

Your client is accused of making rather harsh anti-Semitic comments. What is your explanation for this?

"I have no explanation. It could happen to any one of us. Anyone can go to a bar, drink a little and get into a fight with someone."

So alcohol is to blame?

"It's alcohol mixed with medications. You're very vulnerable when you're in this state."

Zerbib believes Galliano never made anti-Semitic comments on the night of his arrest, however, he has seen the now-infamous "I love Hitler" video...but he was quick to point out that it's not being used as evidence in the trial -- "Let's just say that today this video is worth nothing."

Zerbib added:

"There are always those who preach, who say 'how can a Jew defend anyone accused of such slurs," he says. "My job as a lawyer is to guarantee that a person gets a fair trial and that his rights will be protected. I am wary of pre-judgment, that's not my job."

[...]

So you don't feel like the devil's advocate then?

"This is hardly the devil. I never would have taken the case had I thought that."

Read the rest at YNetNews.com. And head over here to see Galliano's presentation as part of Paris Fashion Week, where a model made a statement with her Star of David tattoo.

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