Natalie Portman slams John Galliano

Natalie - who wore a Rodarte dress to pick up her Best Actress Oscar at Sunday's ceremony, despite being widely tipped to don a Galliano creation - said in a statement: "I am deeply shocked and disgusted by the video of John Galliano's comments that surfaced today.

"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."

Galliano, 50, is said to have made racist remarks to Geraldine Bloch, calling her a "dirty Jew face" during a drunken episode in Paris on February 24, as well threatening her friend Philippe Virgitti.

The British designer was also filmed in the same bar where he is said to have insulted Bloch, allegedly saying: "I love Hitler".

In a video seen by The Sun newspaper, the couturier made his statement about the Nazi leader before telling a woman: "People like you would be dead. Your mothers, your forefathers, would all be fucking gassed."

Galliano is to meet Bloch after being ordered by the public prosecutor's office in the French capital.