The top editor at Penguin Random House is facing backlash after posting a controversial comment about the murder of Blackstone executive Wesley Lepatner on Instagram. His post included the phrase, “Please rest on piss.”
Thomas Gebremedhin, who serves as the vice president and executive editor at Doubleday Books, shared a story that drew attention to an X-Post regarding a mass shooting incident on Monday at 345 Park Ave. Lepatner, aged 46, was shot while trying to shield himself behind a marble pillar.
One of the posts portrayed Lepatner and two Jewish mothers as representatives of a need for affordable housing, noting the absurdity in the contrast. It read: “Her only job was to ensure housing remained costly.”
Gebremedhin later commented on the absurd claim that Lepatner earned “$9,000 per minute,” in an attempt to justify the insensitivity surrounding her death.
Users quickly pointed out inaccuracies in both the claim and Gebremedhin’s tone. A tweet from Free Press reporter Maya Sulkin criticized the original post as unconscionable, noting that it indirectly legitimized the violence against Lepatner.
“It’s not just fringe internet users; it reflects a wider viewpoint that justifies Lepatner’s murder,” Sulkin stated in a post made on Friday. “Individuals like Thomas Gebremedhin propagate these ideas.”
The reactions from the publishing industry have been significant, as many were shocked by Gebremedhin’s insensitivity, especially given his prominent position in the literary elite. Although his Instagram account is private, screenshots of the story spread online, igniting a wave of criticism.
One commentator on social media remarked about the troubling culture in book publishing, suggesting it might even be worse than what’s found in universities. Another highlighted a sentiment that, unless one is a “Hamas terrorist billionaire,” the wealthy shouldn’t be victimized.
Calls for Gebremedhin’s dismissal erupted in response, with one user stating, “He should be fired… it’s absolutely deplorable.”
Lepatner, who held a significant role as the global head of Core+ Real Estate and CEO of the Blackstone Real Estate Income Trust, was described by her family and colleagues as “glorious” and deeply respected for her philanthropic efforts. She was also noted for her contributions to organizations like the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
The tragic incident occurred when gunman Shane Tamra opened fire on Monday, resulting in Lepatner’s death while she sought cover in the lobby.
At a funeral held on Thursday at the Central Synagogue, her grieving teenage daughter emotionally referred to her mother as “My Rock.” The service was attended by over 500 mourners, not far from where the shooting took place.
As of now, neither Penguin Random House nor Gebremedhin has responded to requests for comment.
