Penguin Random House editor shared post mocking Wesley LePatner
A shocking Instagram post by a top editor at Penguin Random House has sparked outrage and condemnation across social media. Thomas Gebremedhin, vice president and executive editor at Doubleday Books, shared a post that mocked the murder of Blackstone executive Wesley LePatner, who was tragically killed in a mass shooting at 345 Park Ave.
The post, which originally portrayed LePatner as the face of unaffordable housing, ended with the disrespectful words “rest in piss.” Social media users were quick to point out the inaccuracies in the post, with many condemning Gebremedhin for his insensitivity and lack of empathy.
Maya Sulkin, a reporter for Free Press, highlighted the post and called out Gebremedhin for justifying LePatner’s murder. The repost, which circulated online despite Gebremedhin’s private Instagram account, shocked many in the publishing world.
The publishing industry was quick to distance itself from Gebremedhin’s actions, with one user commenting that the industry is “full of scum.” Others criticized the left for its perceived double standards when it comes to wealth and violence.
In response to the backlash, Gebremedhin issued an apology to The Post. He admitted that he shared the post without fully reading the caption and took full accountability for the harm caused. He expressed regret for contributing to a culture of rage and noise.
LePatner, a mother of two and a top executive at Blackstone, was remembered as brilliant, warm, and deeply respected by her firm and family. She was mourned by over 500 people at a tearful funeral at Central Synagogue, just blocks from where she was killed.
The shooter, Shane Tamura, killed four people before taking his own life. LePatner had crouched behind a pillar in the lobby as the bullets flew. Her daughter described her as “my rock” during the emotional service.
Penguin Random House has not yet responded to requests for comment on the matter. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media and the importance of empathy and sensitivity in all communications.
