35 Comments
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Jane Pratt's avatar

I'm scared

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Lori's avatar

This is terrifying that there is no prison record on him, either in NY or OH. And why didn’t the life sentence in NY mean life??

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Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

Absolutely chilling — also because I met him a few times in the early aughts when I worked in PR. Horrific.

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Esther Haynes's avatar

I know, right? Can't believe you met him too. So disturbing.

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Jane Pratt's avatar

Did he seem creepy to you then?I felt like I noticed his creepiness increasing over the time that we overlapped at Fairchild. And I also always wondered what was fueling it because he went to the bathroom all the time. (Can I get in legal trouble for saying that? It is true though.)

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Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

The bathroom is definitely a sign. He was friends with my (male) boss and dating the ex mentioned and I remember hanging out with them. He didn’t seem especially creepy (I worked in restaurant/nightlife PR at the time so it’s all relative) which in retrospect is more terrifying! Like he knew how to hide too.

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Jane Pratt's avatar

You're right. That's way more terrifying! And I cracked up when you said it's all relative about the creepiness in those businesses. So true – and in magazines and media too.

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Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

I was so shocked when I saw the headlines in 2005. But yes so many creepers in these industries!!

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Esther Haynes's avatar

Fawnia! I just looked in my email b/c your name is so familiar, and apparently we worked at Lucky at the same time, in 2012? I have a terrible memory but hello! (I was digital edition ed there after filling in for danielle p as executive editor when she went on maternity leave.)

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Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

Omg yes! I knew you were familiar! I remember the digital edition was just starting when I was there. I ran that deal of the day flash sale in breaks — wow throwback — so was in my own little corner. My memory is terrible now so was googling and crossover to this story, my old boss who was friends with Peter is mentioned in Frank Owen’s book Clubland because he did PR for Peter Gatien. 🤯

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Esther Haynes's avatar

Whoa, we have so many connections! I remember the flash sales. I have Peter Gatien ties, too, so random. Let me know if you have any story ideas; we'd love you to write for us. esther@anotherjaneprattthing.com

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Fawnia Soo Hoo's avatar

Yes, one day we should definitely discuss 🫖 offline! I’m impressed you remember the flash sales. I will definitely reach out via email, too!!

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horse's avatar

Jesus!!!

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Jane Pratt's avatar

It always makes me happy when horse's little name pops up in the comments, here. I'm sorry, we scared you, horse!

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Jane Pratt's avatar

And I hate how this new updated Siri adds commas where I don't want them, as she did above.

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horse's avatar

Mine, does, that, too!

That’s ok, it’s Halloween and that’s my favourite way to be scared. When I was a kid, traditional scary stuff did zero for me. What I used to scare myself were those guides on how to avoid being abducted by a “bad stranger” … does anyone else remember Bert and Gert?

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Jane Pratt's avatar

What is Bert and Gert, horse?

And I'm glad I'm not alone with the Siri thing but boy is that annoying. Commas and their placement is immensely important!

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horse's avatar

90s Canadian safety PSA mascots!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cgvv4wnVlFU

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Jane Pratt's avatar

"Some people who seem nice at first, may be real bad news!" That's some wisdom right there - and will make it worthwhile if that tune is now stuck in my head. Thank you!

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Juliet McDaniel's avatar

Genuinely disturbing that he is potentially not in jail. I hope that his victim at least was given a heads up and has some clue as to where he is, if only for her own peace of mind. He's not listed as being on parole in NY and OH doesn't have their parolees listed online. Super creepy.

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Yolanda Green's avatar

This is scary! Read it yesterday on Halloween... 🙂🎃🍫

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Esther Haynes's avatar

I think about it every single Halloween. Creepy.🩸

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Scott Keneally's avatar

HOLYFUCKINGWHAT?!? This is one of the most batshit stories I've ever heard. Jaw... dropped. ✅

I particularly loved the part where he stabbed himself in the neck 13 times and survived. LOL. Fuck that guy.

Also, loved your writing. As always. Thanks for sharing!

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Esther Haynes's avatar

Thank you, Scott! You should write for us. xo

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Jane Pratt's avatar

I second that! And your comment about Esther's great writing. I am so lucky to have her doing it here!

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Ibrahim Khan's avatar

Omg!!! 😳

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Jennifer's avatar

That is exceedingly frightening. His pic needs to be up in the staff room at all Outback's.

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Esther Haynes's avatar

Haha totally agree. High alert.

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Amy Keyishian / Madfoot's avatar

Well! That was unsettling. It feels like there was always one of those questionable guys hovering around magazine offices.

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Esther Haynes's avatar

I know what you mean! There were magazine stalkers. At Jane men even used to leave us super creepy sexual voice mails after hours on our office phones.

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Krista + Zoe's avatar

Chris Wilson (formerly of the Post / Page Six) said Braunstein was calling him and sending him letters and stuff while he was on the lamb.

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Jane Pratt's avatar

I want to know more. Wowee

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Krista + Zoe's avatar

Ask Aaron Gell where he is!!

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Ellen Bailey's avatar

I also worked at Fairchild at that time. Peter always gave me the heebie-jeebies so when I heard about this savage crime I was horrified but, unfortunately, not shocked. I think of that editor often and truly hope she is ok.

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Freema Jade's avatar

The Elliot Smith reference. </3

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