John Galliano fears he ''would be dead'' if he hadn't been fired from Dior.

The 54-year-old fashion designer - who was sacked from the French label in 2011 for making anti-Semitic slurs outside a Parisian café during a breakdown - was drinking heavily at the time and insists the incident has changed his life for the better.

According to The Guardian newspaper, John said during the Jewish educational event, Connect, in London: ''I am an alcoholic. I am an addict. This is in no way an excuse. We alcoholics and we addicts are not responsible for our disease. However, I do take complete responsibility for my recovery and making amends. I get a daily reprieve from this disease and that comes from total abstinence.

Asked what would have happened had his contract with Dior not been terminated, he added: ''I think I would be dead.''

John - who is now the creative director of Maison Margiela - was joined by Rabbi Barry Marcus of the Central Synagogue on the stage at the event, who he credits with helping him through his rehabilitation.

The designer added after turning to religion, he has finally ''come to terms'' with his actions.

He explained: ''I used to blame everyone for what happened, but now I bear no resentment. I have finally come to terms with what happened and what was my part in it.

''God is in the driving seat, not me. Before it was self-will, but now it is God's will.''