New York, NY, January 18, 2013 … The Anti-Defamation League (ADL) today welcomed the decision by Oscar de la Renta to invite fashion designer John Galliano to spend time in his design studio following Mr. Galliano’s long recovery from alcoholism and his demonstrated effort to learn from his remarks about Jews, Hitler and the Holocaust.
Abraham H. Foxman, ADL National Director, issued the following statement:
We believe that individuals can change their hearts and minds as long as they demonstrate true contrition.
Mr. Galliano has worked arduously in changing his worldview and dedicated a significant amount of time to researching, reading, and learning about the evils of anti-Semitism and bigotry. Along his journey to recovery he met with us on numerous occasions. He has accepted full responsibility for his previous remarks and understands that hurtful comments have no place in our society.
We wish him much success and look forward to working with him again in the near future as a spokesman against anti-Semitism, intolerance and bigotry.
In a statement issued earlier today, Mr. Galliano said that he “remains committed to making amends to those I have hurt.”