Paris (CNN) -- Christian Dior has started proceedings to fire designer John Galliano after he was filmed making anti-Semitic comments in a Paris restaurant, the fashion giant said Tuesday. The company condemned his "deeply offensive statements and conduct" in a statement announcing the plan to fire him. The statement came hours after Oscar-winning actress Natalie Portman condemned Galliano's praise of Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler. "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." The comments were reportedly made at a Paris cafe last year. Galliano's lawyer, Stephane Zerbib, said Tuesday that Galliano formally denies that he is anti-Semitic. Zerbib declined to comment further.
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NEW: Galliano's lawyer says his client denies he is anti-Semitic
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The fashion giant calls his comments "deeply offensive"
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Christian Dior designer John Galliano expresses love for Hitler in a video
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He was suspended last week for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks at a Paris bar
Natalie Portman
"I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today," said @placeholder, who appears in ads for Miss Dior Cherie perfume.
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"I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today," said Portman, who appears in ads for Miss @placeholder perfume.