Moscow, June 3 (IANS) The third Russian startup conference for innovators is being held here over Tuesday and Wednesday in the backdrop of a difficultLondon, June 3 (AZINS) Designer John Galliano says he "would be dead" if he hadn't been fired from fashion brand Dior in 2011.

The 54-year-old, who was sacked from the French label 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, reports femalefirst.co.uk.

"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," John said during a Jewish educational event Connect here, reports The Guardian newspaper.

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

Galliano is now the creative director of Maison Margiela.