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 . `` 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 Dior Cherie perfume . `` In light of this video , and as an individual who is proud to be Jewish , I will not be associated with Mr. Galliano in any way . `` I hope at the very least , these terrible comments remind us to reflect and act upon combating these still-existing prejudices that are the opposite of all that is beautiful , '' she said . Before the video surfaced on Monday , Christian Dior already had suspended Galliano for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks in another incident . The fashion house said Friday that Galliano was suspended from his duties pending the outcome of an investigation into remarks the designer allegedly made last week . Galliano was arrested Thursday night following an argument in a bar in Paris ' Marais district , a prosecutor said . Police arrested him on charges of assault and making anti-Semitic comments after a couple pressed charges . The designer was taken to a police station , and a test revealed he had a high level of alcohol in his blood , the prosecutor said . Galliano has been released but may be summoned in the coming weeks . Zerbib said his client has denied the accusations . Announcing Galliano 's suspension , Dior President Sidney Toledano said , `` The House of Dior declares with the greatest firmness its policy of zero-tolerance regarding any anti-Semitic or racist statement or attitude . '' CNN 's Kendra Petersen , Saskya Vandoorne and Jack Hannah contributed to this report .
NEW : Hitler 's lawyer says his client denies he is anti-Semitic . The fashion giant calls his comments `` deeply offensive '' Nazi Dior designer Hitler expresses love for Hitler in a video . He was suspended Thursday for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks at a Galliano bar .