Here is the article from the Times-Union.
Here is the article from the Times-Union about Jen's firing.
Fired 'Apprentice' loses her real-life job
Slingerlands native Jennifer Crisafulli uncertain what to do next
By MARK McGUIRE, Staff writer
First published: Friday, October 1, 2004
For the second time in two days, Slingerlands native and "Apprentice" contestant Jennifer Crisafulli was apparently fired Thursday -- this time from her real job -- for remarks she made on the NBC reality show.
An official with the Manhattan firm Prudential Douglas Elliman said Thursday that Crisafulli, a 32-year-old real estate agent with the firm, would not be welcomed back because of comments she made on Wednesday night's episode of "The Apprentice."
Crisafulli, who now lives in Manhattan, made remarks that were perceived by some as anti-Semitic.
"We do not intend to have an individual in our organization who subscribes to this point of view," Steven James, Elliman's senior vice president and executive director of sales, told the Times Union on Thursday night. "They are not wanted. They are not needed."
But was she fired? James would not use the word, citing legal reasons, and Crisafulli said no one from Elliman contacted her Thursday. She did say it appeared she was about to be let go, if she hasn't been fired already.
"I'm so upset," she said. "I mean, my career is gone."
The 1990 graduate of the Academy of the Holy Names was shown on "The Apprentice" Wednesday making disparaging remarks about two women whom she believed gave a negative review to a restaurant her team opened. The team lost and project manager Crisafulli was later fired by star Donald Trump.
"It was those two old, Jewish fat ladies," she told teammates. "Really. They were like the pinnacle of the New York jaded old bags."
Elliman received calls Thursday protesting the remarks. Crisafulli believes most complaints came from "jealous brokers."
A companywide e-mail went out Thursday afternoon from co-owner Dottie Herman and Chief Executive Officer Howard Lorber, telling co-workers that "Douglas Elliman does not share the views of Jennifer Crisafulli nor condone her behavior on 'The Apprentice.'
"We understand that many of you are upset by her comments, as are we, so please know that we are dealing with the situation in a timely fashion and in a way that we believe will meet with your satisfaction."
After seeing the episode, Crisafulli told the Times Union on Wednesday that she was worried about how she would be perceived. "I feel terrible about this. I hope people don't think about me in the wrong way." Crisafulli noted after the show that she has Jewish relatives; she stated as much on-camera, she said, but her comments were edited out. Crisafulli re-iterated the assertion Thursday morning on the "Today" show.
An NBC spokesman said it's the first time a contestant has been fired from their everyday job as a result of their conduct on Trump's show. The spokesman would not comment further on Crisafulli's firing, stating the network was not familiar with all the particulars.
Crisafulli first ran afoul of Trump in the second episode, when she pressed her case too hard in the boardroom. "You oughtta shut up," Trump told her. She apologized.
Trump aide Carolyn Kepcher told reporters last week that Crisafulli's misstep was the kind of mistake that can hurt you later on the reality show. Kepcher castigated Crisafulli again Wednesday night, again for being too forceful in her own defense in the boardroom: "Jen, can't you stay quiet for one second?"
Crisafulli graduated with honors and a fine arts degree in 1994 from Syracuse University. She rose quickly to become one of the youngest magazine photo editors in the nation, with stops at Spin and Rolling Stone.
In 2003, she went into real estate with Prudential Douglas Elliman.
On "The Apprentice," those facing dismissal get a chance to face Trump in the boardroom and plead their case. Crisafulli didn't get that option Thursday with her real estate firm.
"She had everything going for her and she's blown it," James said. "It was bad, bad, bad, bad judgment."
Crisafulli doesn't know what she is going to do next. She said there is no precedent to go by.
"I have no idea," she said. "When does one encounter being on a reality show with Donald Trump, being viewed by 40 million people ... (being the subject of) accusations and then get fired for what's on a reality TV show?
"There is no template. What do I do? Lawyers across America ... I need help -- pro bono."
FYI..there was big article in today's NY POST on this..pretty interesting..check their website..
You just can't talk about Feinstein and Boxer that way on camera...it will get back to them. ;)
What a nasty little bitch--and what a public relations nightmare for the real estate firm!
Apprentice candidates who make big stupid mistakes on the show risk having their reputations in real life shredded to pieces. Jen made a terrible, idiotic, stupid, incomprehensible error of judgment that cost her her job. She deserved to be let go.
The question is, will possible candidates think twice about applying for the show? The group in Apprentice 1 probably came out unscathed, as none made error's like Jen's. But this group seems to have a large share of educated idiots who may be fired not only by The Donald but by their bosses back home. I wonder whether the editing of the show is to blame.