Estee Lauder fires John Demsey over racist Instagram meme

Cosmetics firm Estee Lauder stated Monday that it had compelled out govt John Demsey, days after he acknowledged he posted a racist meme on a private social media account.

The announcement got here in a letter that was shared with its workers worldwide.

Demsey, 65, confronted backlash for an Instagram submit containing the N-word and a joke about Covid-19, which is not on his feed. He was initially suspended with out pay. Demsey, who oversaw beauty manufacturers resembling Clinique, later apologized in one other submit.

“I’m so terribly sorry and deeply ashamed that I harm so many individuals after I made the horrible mistake of carelessly reporting a racist meme with out studying it beforehand,” stated Demsey.

An organization consultant stated he was informed to depart the corporate and that he agreed to retire.

Estee Lauder’s determination comes as a part of an initiative to turn out to be extra inclusive and equitable over the previous two years, in line with the letter. “Collectively we’re making progress towards our commitments to our workers, our companions, and customers.”

Shares of the corporate have been down about 1.8% at $294.94 late Monday morning amid a broader market selloff.

The Wall Street Journal first reported Demsey’s exit.

Clarification: This story was up to date to mirror that Demsey agreed to retire.