John Galliano Suing Former Lawyer, Claims He Stole $4 Million
As if John Galliano didn’t have enough problems!
Earlier this week, FashionEtc reported that the disgraced designer had fired lawyer Stephane Zerbib over “irregularities” in the handling of his financial affairs. Now, in the latest turn of events, Galliano is suing Zerbib for embezzlement—and being countersued for defamation.
“John Galliano brought a complaint on April 13 for aggravated breach of trust against his former legal counsel,” current lawyer Aurélien Hamelle, who will defend Galliano when he goes to trial on anti-Semitic abuse charges, confirmed to the AFP.
According to a Europe 1 radio report, Galliano originally hired Zerbib to run a company that managed the rights to the designer’s image. Zerbib was given access to his bank accounts and, Galliano’s lawsuit alleges, proceeded to pay himself multiple times—sometimes making seven cash withdrawals a day—ultimately stealing 2.8 million euros ($4.1 million U.S.). Galliano took back control of the company in February.
Zerbib denies Galliano’s charges and his lawyer, Emma Lapijower, told the AFP he plans to sue Galliano for defamation over the claims.
Meanwhile, a court will decide May 12 when Galliano will go to trial for the February incident in which he allegedly assaulted and made anti-Semitic remarks toward a couple at a Paris café.
The troubled couturier—who has been dropped from Dior and his eponymous label—faces up to six months in prison and a fine of 22,500 euros ($32,608 U.S.) if convicted.
Stay tuned.
