Karlene Meister

The trial for the flamboyant British fashion designer, John Galliano, who was fired for anti-Semitic slurs he hurled at patrons in a Paris cafe, is set to begin. He will be charged for "public insults based on origin, religious affiliation, race or ethnicity."

If he is found guilty, he could face 6 months in prison plus a fine of the equivalent of USD$33,000.

The trial will focus on two alleged separate incidents that took place in October and February, plus the third that took place in the same Paris cafe. It is expected that Galliano will argue that he was under the influence.

Galliano worked for fashion house Dior for 15 years before he was fired.

It will be interesting to see the outcome of this trial, as it raises the question if someone can be fired for incidents that take place outside of work.