UPDATED: British Fashion Designer John Galliano Arrested in Paris

John Galliano

UPDATED: BBC News is reporting that Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano after his arrest for allegedly assaulting and verbally abusing a couple in a Paris bar. “Police briefly detained Mr. Galliano on Thursday night after the couple accused him of making anti-Semitic remarks. He also allegedly traded slaps with them.”

Dior has released a statement: “Pending the results of the inquiry, Christian Dior has suspended John Galliano from his responsibilities.”

EARLIER: John Galliano, creative head for Christian Dior, was detained by police in Paris last night (February 24) “on suspicion of making anti-Semitic remarks and assault,” BBC News reports. The celebrated British fashion designer had been out drinking in Paris’s Marais district when he apparently got in a “row” in a bar. Galliano’s lawyer denies the “anti-Semite” charge.

The Guardian says that “Galliano was drinking at a bar before the altercation in which he allegedly hurled insults at a couple. He was arrested and taken to a police station for a sobriety test where he was found him to be just over the legal limit.” The designer was released, pending charges.

News of Galliano’s arrest came just hours after reports that model Kate Moss had selected him to design her wedding dress. (Moss is marrying Kills guitarist Jamie Hince in July.)

The BBC once named Galliano a “British style genius” and “rebel icon,” adding that he is “revered as the great fantasist of late twentieth century fashion.”