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COLUMBUS — A viral video making the rounds on social media that includes racial slurs has resulted in four local employees either dismissed at their workplaces or under investigation.
Joe Mandola, Brandon Mathis, Blaine Ellis and Sage Thomas were in a golf cart at night in the video in which the negative epithets were made during a July Fourth event.
Mandola, the local owner of Wet Sounds, was placed on administrative leave pending a full internal investigation into the video, according to a public statement issued by the audio- equipment company.
“Wet Sounds is aware of a video circulating online in which one of our team members appears. Wet Sounds takes this matter seriously and has placed the individual on administrative leave pending a full internal investigation,” according to the statement. “Wet Sounds is committed to maintaining a workplace and brand culture rooted in respect, accountability and integrity,” the statement added. Mathis worked as a superintendent of Irrigation Operations with the Lower Colorado River Authority but has since been terminated by the water and electricity utility, the agency said.
“LCRA has been made aware of a video involving one of our employees that contains inappropriate language. This behavior is completely contrary to our values and standards. We have taken appropriate action, and the employee is no longer employed by the LCRA,” said the statement. “We are fully committed to a respectful environment for our employees and the communities we serve.”
Blaine Ellis was an employee with FSC Inc., an oil and gas company, and was pictured in the video sitting in the backseat of the vehicle.
The statement released by the company stated, “FSC Inc. has concluded its internal investigation into a viral video involving one of its employees making an appalling and racist statement. Effective immediately, the employee has been terminated.”
The company added, “We want to state unequivocally: The language and behavior displayed in the video are reprehensible and completely unacceptable. FSC Inc. strongly condemns all forms of racism, hate speech and discriminatory conduct. This behavior does not reflect who we are as a company, nor will it ever be tolerated.”
According to the release, “We are taking steps internally to ensure accountability and reinforce the values that define our culture. We recognize the seriousness of this incident and extend our sincere apologies to all who were rightfully angered, offended, hurt and disgusted.”
Thomas worked as a certified nursing assistant at Columbus Community Hospital.
The medical facility’s administration released the following statement: “Columbus Community Hospital continues to have a zero-tolerance policy and the individual is no longer with our hospital after the video was released.”
