Actress Natalie Portman appears in a new ad from French fashion house Christian Dior, despite her shock and disgust when John Galliano – then the brand’s creative director – was caught in a highly-publicized video depicting a vitriolic anti-Semitic rant, reports Coco Perez.
"I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video. 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," Portman – who had been acting as brand ambassador for Miss Dior Cherie perfume at the time – said in a statement.
"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."
Shortly after Portman gave her statement, Galliano was removed from his position at Dior. As it became clear that the designer would never again be allowed to work for the label or any of its associated brands, speculation arose about the state of Portman’s contract with the fashion house.
Portman now appears in a new beauty products campaign for Diorskin Forever – which includes a Diorskin Forever Compact and Diorskin Forever Fluid both infused with a unique anti-aging serum known as Skin Essence. Posed in an ephemeral pink gown, the actress stares directly into the camera, her complexion flawless.
Whether this marks a new beginning for the Dior-Portman partnership – or is Portman’s last appearance for the brand – still remains to be seen.