Netflix sacks top manager for use of the ‘N-word’

NETFLIX has sacked its head of communications over his use of the “N-word” during conversations with colleagues.

Jonathan Friedland is said to have first used the slur in a descriptive sense during a discussion about the use of offensive terms in comedy. Reed Hastings, the head of the streaming giant, said he had “let go” of the chief communications officer after learning he allegedly used the “painful and ugly” term again while discussing the initial incident with human resources.

Mr Friedland, a former journalist who had worked at Netflix for seven years, said he felt awful about the distress caused. In a memo to staff reported by Variety, Mr Hastings said Mr Friedland had “contributed greatly”. He added: “But his descriptive use of the N-word on at least two occasions at work showed unacceptably low racial awareness and sensitivity, and is not in line with our values as a company.”

The initial incident is said to have taken place “several months ago” in a public relations meeting about sensitive words. A few days later, in discussion with HR about the incident, he used the term again in front of two black employees, Mr Hastings said.

During a later meeting with the Black Employees @ Netflix group, Mr Friedland failed to mention the episode, which was perceived as a failure to care, or accept accountability for his words, the memo said.

Mr Friedland said on Twitter: “Leaders have to be beyond reproach in the example we set and unfortunately I fell short of that standard when I was insensitive in speaking to my team about words that offend in comedy.”