Galliano to face trial for alleged anti-Semitic outburst

John Galliano will face trial for his alleged anti-Semitic remarks.

The designer was sacked from fashion house Christian Dior earlier this week after reportedly abusing a couple during a drunken rant in Paris and the prosecutors office in the French city said a trial could take place between April and June this year and if Galliano is found guilty he could face six months in prison and fines of up to $43,000.

French law makes it a crime to incite racial hatred and as well as allegedly verbally abusing the couple, Galliano was filmed making anti-Semitic remarks during a night out in which he announced his love for Nazi leader Adolf Hitler.

Galliano - who has checked into an unnamed rehab facility - has spoken out about the incident and says he regrets the offence he has caused by his actions but claimed he was provoked during the incident and is taking legal action against the couple.

He said: "Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society. I unreservedly apologise for my behaviour in causing any offence.

"I was subjected to verbal harassment and an unprovoked assault when an individual tried to hit me with a chair having taken violent exception to my look and my clothing.

"For these reasons I have commenced proceedings for defamation and the threats made against me."