John Demsey is a 65 year old man. He was the senior brand executive for Estee Lauder, overseeing the MAC and Clinique brands. Demsey was fired after posting racist memes to social media.
John Demsey Firing Details
Demsey Fired After Racist Instagram Posts. “Estee Lauder has forced its senior brand executive to take a powder after he posted a Sesame Street-themed racial slur that joked about the coronavirus on his personal Instagram. John Demsey, 65, who handled MAC and Clinique – two of the company’s biggest brands – was forced out of the cosmetic company after 31 years amid growing public pressure regarding posting of a mock children’s book cover which showed Big Bird at the bedside Mr. Snuffleupagus, who has a thermometer in his mouth.” [Daily Mail]
Estee Lauder: Demsey Posts Caused “Widespread Offense.” “Today, John Demsey, Executive Group President, The Estée Lauder Companies, was informed he must leave the company, effective this week. This decision is the result of his recent Instagram posts, which do not reflect the values of The Estée Lauder Companies, have caused widespread offense, are damaging to our efforts to drive inclusivity both inside and outside our walls, and do not reflect the judgment we expect of our leaders.” [Company Statement]
Demsey “Sorry” For Racist Posts. “I am terribly sorry and deeply ashamed that I hurt so many people when I made the horrible mistake of carelessly reposting a racist meme without regarding it beforehand. There are not enough words to express my remorse and sorrow.” [Statement]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.