Galliano & Lawyer Stephane Zerbib Part Ways

Update: Women's Wear Daily reports that Aurélien Hamelle at Metzner Associés in Paris will be Galliano's new lawyer. The fashion newspaper adds that Zerbib was fired after "the discovery of apparent irregularities in respect to his firm’s administration of Galliano’s financial affairs over a number of years." Read the rest here.

Previously: John Galliano has parted ways his lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, Vogue UK reports.

A spokesperson for the fired Dior designer released the following statement to the British glossy: "Mr. Zerbib was dismissed as Galliano's lawyer some weeks ago following the discovery of apparent irregularities in respect of his firms administration of Galliano's financial affairs over a number of years."

However, according to the Daily Mail, it was Zerbib who left Galliano in a lurch. A source told the newspaper, "Mr Zerbib has had enough. He doesn't want to defend Galliano anymore."

According to the Telegraph, Zerbib had been Galliano's lawyer for the last seven years. In March, Zerbib spoke with YNetNews.com about Galliano's now-infamous anti-Semitic rant, saying, "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. It's alcohol mixed with medications. You're very vulnerable when you're in this state."

Zerbib, who is Jewish, said he hardly felt like the devil's advocate, adding, "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."

The Telegraph notes that Galliano is believed to have hired London lawyer Gerrard Tyrrell, of Harbottle & Lewis. He is due in Paris court on May 12.