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Hollywood Assistant Slams Sexist Former Boss In Viral Post
One of the emails Laursen received from her boss. (via Facebook)
Hollywood assistants regularly endure ridiculous experiences via their high-profile bosses, from transporting drugs to administering a DIY face lift with scotch tape, but Rosette Laursen's story takes the stereotype of angry Hollywood boss to a new level. In a Facebook post this week that subsequently went viral, Laursen told a story of her talent manager boss's sexist response to her participation in the "A Day Without a Woman" strike on International Women's Day this past March. Laursen writes how she chose to stay home and take the time to write, because her "career goal is to be a TV Writer, and unfortunately writers’ rooms are very dominantly male, even in 2017."
She emailed her boss, whom she dubbed "Jorkle" in the post, and received this email in response:
Are you fucking kidding me. At the end of pilot season. Someone should sew her vagina shut. I’m never hiring a girl ever again.
No bonus for anyone that strikes or leaves early in pilot season. No one is striking in show business we are all against Trump. And women are considered diverse and being shoved in as writer and directors. Zach who is a Jewish male is being pushed out.
Uppity Selfish Cunt. Heather went to work. I’m sure anyone at a casting office or agency would be fired.
It turns out the email was intended for two male coworkers, but her boss, Michael Einfeld, accidentally sent it to the whole team. Einfeld runs Einfeld Management, which has reportedly represented Hillary Swank, Brendan Fraser, and Phyllis Diller, according to the A.V. Club. Einfeld followed the email up with an apology via text, including suggesting that "[i]f you come back we can play Nazi death camp. You can beat me and put me in the oven."
Laursen decided to quit, and her friends encouraged her to litigate. She explains how this was the last straw with her boss; a man who, over the five months she worked for him, had gifted her lingerie, used the n-word when discussing black clients, and proclaimed how he "is never friends with women." Laursen's lawyer attempted to settle with her boss, but he consistently evaded contact and ignored the situation entirely. Laursen decided her best course of action would be to post the information publicly instead.
Einfeld sent out an apology Thursday night in response to the story getting picked up by many outlets. Here it is, as quoted in Variety:
To all my friends, colleagues and clients, I know that many of you have seen the recent Facebook post from my former office assistant Rosette Laursen. I was first informed of the post on Monday, and would have responded sooner except that it has taken me a few days to comprehend my shock and embarrassment. First let me say without reservation - I am sorry. I used language that was tasteless, humorless and completely inexcusable. I believe deeply in workplace diversity regardless of race, gender, creed or sexual orientation, and I am mortified that the things I have said have worked against my commitment to inclusion. As I’ve searched for a response to all this, what I’ve discovered is that words fall woefully short of my extreme remorse - I am so sorry. I will be undertaking some obviously needed introspection, and want to thank those of you who have expressed a willingness to standby me. To those that feel they need space from me - I am heartbroken but understand. If it were possible, I wouldn’t mind space from myself right now. Again, to everyone - I am sorry. If this is something you are willing to hear from me in person please call, or send me a note and I’ll call you. I am devastated, and hope in time you will consider giving me the chance to earn your forgiveness. Love,
Michael
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