In a series called Mondo Ironico, let us discuss how fucking antithetical something in pop culture is.
Madonna has long been a champion of the notion that “Life is a paradox,” and that it is. Yet perhaps there’s a fine line between contradiction and hypocrisy, especially when one is a celebrity and shifting alliances occur so rapidly in the world of cancel culture. We can call it the “generosity” of “forgiveness” or merely see it for what it is: the moment to openly shun someone finally passed.
John Galliano was long ago redeemed, just as Mel Gibson (though to a lesser extent), for his famed anti-Semitic rant in December of 2011. Upon the release of video footage of the tirade, which included such gems as, “I love Hitler,” another clip was received by a website showing Galliano going off on a similar tangent in 2010. Unfortunately for Galliano, the “little outburst” happened to occur right before Paris Fashion Week–the worst possible moment for Dior to have to deal with such major damage control. Alas, deal with it they did by removing their prized creative director. To make matters more scandalous for Galliano, it’s actually considered illegal to make anti-Semitic remarks in public in France. Incidentally, one could imagine Madonna arguing that such a law limits free speech, what with her recent unwitting alignment with conservative rhetoric.
And yes, back to Madonna and her whimsical decision to be photographed with Galliano at the afterparty for the British Fashion Council’s 2021 Fashion Awards. Sure, maybe M couldn’t “avoid” a little gab with the forgiven designer, but she could have thought twice about being so gleefully pictured with him. Especially considering all her posturing about how it’s Hanukkah and seeming to time her latest tattoo in Hebrew with the holiday. Then again, Madonna’s commitment to Judaism (or rather, particular tenets thereof) hasn’t always been entirely believed or accepted. Which perhaps isn’t helped by certain parties pointing out that “ve’yishakhu”–a word Madonna has touted to mean simply “kissed”–has a weightier meaning than the standard version of the word, “neshika.” Being that Madonna is an avid reader of the Old Testament (because what pop star shouldn’t be?), it’s no wonder she used this biblical version of the word. But her lack of being swayed by the potential connotations of the context within which the word is featured is telling of Madonna perhaps not studying the “hallowed text” as well as she would like to believe.
With “ve’yishakhu” being used in the sentence that describes Esau’s reunion with Jacob in Genesis 33:4, many scholars believe the disingenuousness of Esau’s kiss is implied within such a formal and deliberate word for “kissed.” And, being that, only moments before, Esau was determined to exact murderous revenge on his brother, it doesn’t seem likely that those feelings would simply “disappear.” Just as hatred for Jews never has. And just as Galliano’s brimming-to-the-surface feelings about the race in question likely hasn’t dissipated either, try as his lawyer did to cry, “Work-related stress and multiple addictions.” Per Israel Hayom, “‘Esau hates Jacob’ is a saying used to express the sense that other nations will always hate the Jews.” In that sense, this tattoo’s subtext could actually be worse than when Ariana Grande got her notorious “BBQ” tattoo.
In any event, by 2013, just two years after the outburst (proving the shortness of public memory), Galliano was able to dip his toe back into haute couture thanks to Anna Wintour arranging for him to finagle a temporary residency at the design studio of Oscar de la Renta to help with preparations for New York Fashion Week. With his acceptance by the NY fashion “elite,” it was only a matter of time before a more legitimate offer came in: creative director for Maison Margiela. Hence, his ability to rise to fashion prominence once again and appear at events like the one M was all too happy to be seen with him at in 2021. After all, the two did once share a publicist: Liz Rosenberg. And surely, if a Jewish woman could advocate for this man when he was still in the thick of his controversy, then how could he be besmirched any longer? By dressing up in Hasidic-style garb soon after, that’s how. But naturally Rosenberg was quick to perform her job by issuing the statement, “As you well know, John has worn big hats and long coats for many, many years.” Way to gaslight, bia, way to gaslight. And, in the end, that’s all publicists are truly adept at.
Rosenberg went on to say, “He is sorrowful and sincere in his efforts [to make amends]. Some people may never forgive him for his remarks two years ago and he understands that. But he will continue to work toward that goal and show by his actions his serious and heartfelt commitment and respect for the Jewish community.” And what’s not to respect about a man who hangs with a woman sporting a Hebrew tattoo that latently connotes the collective contempt for Jewish people?
After “staying under the radar” long enough, Galliano was “permitted” to appear for an interview aired in the U.S. in 2013, during which he stated, “I hope through my atonement I’ll be given a second chance.” Obviously, that’s precisely what he’s been given, not just by Madonna, but all the hypocrites of the industry, quick to change his brand from anti-Semite to the more charming and marketable “enfant terrible.”
