Netflix fired its communications director for using the highly racist and offensive word for African-Americans beginning with "N," the Hollywood Reporter reported yesterday, citing an internal note sent by streaming chief executive Reed Hastings.
Jonathan Friedland, who joined Netflix in 2011, was fired for "descriptive use of the word beginning with 'N' on at least two occasions at work," Reed wrote in a note posted in its entirety on the site.
These incidents show an "unacceptably low racial consciousness and sensitivity" and "do not align with our values as a company", Hastings continues in his official note, which was sent yesterday at noon.
Friedland confirmed his dismissal on Twitter, where he wrote: "I am leaving Netflix after seven years. The leaders are not allowed to be accused of anything (…) and unfortunately I did not live up to this criterion, showing a lack of sensitivity when I spoke to my team about words that offend comedy ".
"I feel awful about the upset that this slip caused to people in a company I love and in which I want everyone to feel that they belong and are valued," he added.