Following his suspension from Christian Dior, chief designer John Galliano has denied using racially abusive language in a Paris bar.

In a statement to police, the 50-year-old Briton claimed an altercation that led to him being charged with anti-semitism was started by fellow customers.

The couturier said a woman confronted him over his high fashion garments.

Galilano told police she was talking "in an aggressive manner" and "insulting" him.

She is then alleged to have challenged him, asking: "Why don't you dress women like me?"

"I replied that I dressed all women, and then she started mocking my look in a nasty way," he said.

Her boyfriend is also alleged to have threatened him with a chair.

Galliano has now filed his own legal complaint against the couple.