Flamboyant fashion designer John Galliano goes on trial Wednesday, accused of making anti-Semitic comments against at least three people. Fashion giant Christian Dior fired Galliano in March after video surfaced that showed him praising Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler and making anti-Semitic remarks.
He faces a six-month jail term and a fine of 22,500 euros ($32,410), if he is convicted, according to prosecutors.
Wednesday's proceedings are expected to last several hours. No verdict is expected on Wednesday.
He'll be judged in one trial over two different incidents, one in October 2010 and one in February of this year.
Galliano was taken to a police station after the second incident, and a test revealed he had a high level of alcohol in his blood, authorities said at the time. He was later released.
The video is from yet another incident, over which he is not being tried because the couple involved chose not to press charges.
"I love Hitler," Galliano said in a video obtained by Britain's Sun newspaper. "Your mother, your forefathers would be f---ing gassed and f---ing dead."
Christian Dior condemned his "deeply offensive statements and conduct."
French law prohibits the incitement of racial discrimination, hatred, or violence based on a person's origin or their membership -- or non-membership -- in an ethic, national, racial, or religious group.
Galliano apologized after the video was released.
"I only have myself to blame and I know that I must face up to my own failures and that I must work hard to gain people's understanding and compassion," Galliano said in a statement. "Anti-Semitism and racism have no part in our society."
Galliano has kept a low profile since he was fired, but Vanessa Friedman, the fashion editor of the Financial Times newspaper, said that given time, he could return to the industry.
His career is over in its present form, she told CNN.
But he could return to Britain, where there is "residual love for him," lay low, and make a comeback in a few years, she said.
"People love a redemption story," Friedman said.
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