A partner at Brown Rudnick has apologised to a female barrister who publicly shamed him for his "unacceptable and misogynistic behaviour" after he told her on LinkedIn that she had a "stunning" photo and suggested that they might "work together".
Charlotte Proudman, a barrister at Mansfield Chambers, received the message from Alexander Carter-Silk, Head of European Intellectual Property at Brown Rudnick, on Monday morning. Headed, "RE: PICTURE", Carter-Silk told the 27-year-old, "I appreciate that this is probably horrendously politically incorrect but that is a stunning picture !!!!"
He continued, "You definitely win the prize for the best Linked in picture I have even seen", and then appeared to lose control of his keyboard, finishing, "Always interest [sic] to understant [sic] people's skills and how we might work together".
Carter-Silk should have realised that Proudman was the wrong target for his brand of charm. Her LinkedIn biography reveals that she is studying for a doctorate in Sociology from Cambridge University, "researching #FGM #fearlessfeminist because rape, prostitution & pornography are problems of male dominance". Which meant his message did not go down well. At all. Proudman replied:
He will probably think twice about communicating with a woman ever again, because Proudman then posted their exchange on Twitter:
Carter-Silk told RollOnFriday, "Most people post pretty unprofessional pictures on Linked in, my comment was aimed at the professional quality of the presentation on linked in which was unfortunately misinterpreted". An excuse about as convincing as OJ Simpson trying on gloves.
He added, "Ms Proudman is clearly highly respected and I was pleased to receive her request to linkup and very happy to instruct her on matters which [are] relevant to her expertise that remains the position".
After RollOnFriday broke the news, the story was picked up by the national press and has sparked a debate (well, several frothing columns) about the point at which compliments become come-ons. Proudman has been applauded for speaking out against everyday sexism, telling the BBC, "My partner gets messages asking if he wants a job at hedge funds, I get propositions from men asking me out". But she has also been vilified after demanding a public apology from Carter-Silk, complaining to Brown Rudnick about his behaviour and announcing her intention to report him to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, pausing only to pop his rabbit on at Gas Mark 6. Most readers' comments posted on RollOnFriday were supportive of Carter-Silk or critical of Proudman's response.
Carter-Silk battened down the hatches after initially talking to RollOnFriday. However a colleague has defended him on the discussion board. She said, "He is very outspoken, but he is not a sexist pig. He just doesn't have a filter on his mouth". A Brown Rudnick spokeswoman told RollOnFriday, "Both Mr. Carter-Silk and the firm have promptly and sincerely apologised to Ms Proudman. We have also assured Ms Proudman that we are committed to gender equality and do not condone any words or actions that depart from that principle”.
Remember, if you receive an unwanted missive there is another way of handling it.
Tip Off ROF
Charlotte Proudman, a barrister at Mansfield Chambers, received the message from Alexander Carter-Silk, Head of European Intellectual Property at Brown Rudnick, on Monday morning. Headed, "RE: PICTURE", Carter-Silk told the 27-year-old, "I appreciate that this is probably horrendously politically incorrect but that is a stunning picture !!!!"
Top tip: If you find yourself writing, "This is probably horrendously politically incorrect, but...", it's best not to finish the sentence. |
He continued, "You definitely win the prize for the best Linked in picture I have even seen", and then appeared to lose control of his keyboard, finishing, "Always interest [sic] to understant [sic] people's skills and how we might work together".
The stunning LinkedIn photo |
Carter-Silk should have realised that Proudman was the wrong target for his brand of charm. Her LinkedIn biography reveals that she is studying for a doctorate in Sociology from Cambridge University, "researching #FGM #fearlessfeminist because rape, prostitution & pornography are problems of male dominance". Which meant his message did not go down well. At all. Proudman replied:
He will probably think twice about communicating with a woman ever again, because Proudman then posted their exchange on Twitter:
Carter-Silk told RollOnFriday, "Most people post pretty unprofessional pictures on Linked in, my comment was aimed at the professional quality of the presentation on linked in which was unfortunately misinterpreted". An excuse about as convincing as OJ Simpson trying on gloves.
He added, "Ms Proudman is clearly highly respected and I was pleased to receive her request to linkup and very happy to instruct her on matters which [are] relevant to her expertise that remains the position".
After RollOnFriday broke the news, the story was picked up by the national press and has sparked a debate (well, several frothing columns) about the point at which compliments become come-ons. Proudman has been applauded for speaking out against everyday sexism, telling the BBC, "My partner gets messages asking if he wants a job at hedge funds, I get propositions from men asking me out". But she has also been vilified after demanding a public apology from Carter-Silk, complaining to Brown Rudnick about his behaviour and announcing her intention to report him to the Solicitors Regulation Authority, pausing only to pop his rabbit on at Gas Mark 6. Most readers' comments posted on RollOnFriday were supportive of Carter-Silk or critical of Proudman's response.
Carter-Silk battened down the hatches after initially talking to RollOnFriday. However a colleague has defended him on the discussion board. She said, "He is very outspoken, but he is not a sexist pig. He just doesn't have a filter on his mouth". A Brown Rudnick spokeswoman told RollOnFriday, "Both Mr. Carter-Silk and the firm have promptly and sincerely apologised to Ms Proudman. We have also assured Ms Proudman that we are committed to gender equality and do not condone any words or actions that depart from that principle”.
Remember, if you receive an unwanted missive there is another way of handling it.
Comments
162
197
155
173
Or did she get to the Bar solely on her own merits?
168
181
166
183
166
171
192
161
175
161
171
167
"Whilst I should not encourage lascivious comments about my daughter ... Yeee gods she is hot!!"
According to the Standard (http://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/lawyer-at-centre-of-linkedin-sexism-row-caught-commenting-on-photo-of-his-own-daughter-a2944916.html) which has a picture of ACS's daughter (who is indeed much much hotter than CP).
153
168
It may even win second prize for the best Linkedin picture I have ever seen.
182
163
Importantly, this was not an "unknowing" statement. He said quite clearly "this is probably horrendously politically incorrect". In other words, he *knew* it was not the right thing to do, and that it was a little risque.
Furthermore - and to put paid to his "apology" - would you ever really describe a headshot on Linkedin as "stunning", without actually meaning that you think the person is stunning? Of course not. He has embarrassed himself - not that he will feel embarrassed, as that doesn't appear to be his way.
168
172
169
180
164
190
A she has a boyfriend; or
B said boyfriend works in private equity, hedge funds or whatever (the last preserve of the Neanderthal).
Perhaps a bit of a Waltrina Mitty
Mind you, Silky boy is also a bit of a trumpet.
169
196
We need to move on from the dialogue of sexism, feminism etc. and recognize that the societal norms and rules apply to everyone, equally, in all situations. We need to rebalance the scales and empower everyone equally, not give certain groups (in this case, women) a monopoly on being offended.
You could accuse him of being a perv, a letch, but why start throwing around equality issues?
My thoughts: Proudman, Carter-Silk - be adults and stop this silliness.
153
176
178
158
167
197
161
177
164
180
174
169
166
185
164
173
176
196
169
167
The correct response would have been to say that you would refuse to accept instructions from this chap in future, and block him on LinkedIn, if you were that offended. I can't see how "going public" on this one has served "feminism" in any way.
Male by the way, if that's relevant to the discussion.
175
191
Don't take the world so seriously Charlotte.
152
190
165
175
180
170
Rant over.
185
167
146
161
159
185
165
187
168
164
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/11859971/Sexism-row-barrister-Charlotte-Proudman-wrote-vitriolic-email-to-her-elderly-grandmother-before-her-death.html
148
185
170
169
154
174
I suspect no media has picked up on this because they only like the story from her 'perspective'
184
156
188
174
170
175
156
156
What if Alex is gay?