Stephanie Sebby-Strempel was told the teens they “didn’t belong” at the pool and threatened to call 911. (Rhe Capers / Facebook video screenshot)
The woman dubbed “Pool Patrol Paula” after video of her harassing a group of Black pool-goers has lost her job as a saleswoman with skincare company Rodan + Fields, thanks to mounting pressure from social media sleuths.
“In accordance with our policies and after assessing statements from law enforcement, this Independent Consultant is no longer affiliated with Rodan + Fields,” a company spokesman said in a statement to Yahoo Lifestyle.
Stephanie Sebby-Strempel, 38, was arrested and charged with third-degree assault earlier this week after accosting a group of Black teens at a neighborhood pool in Summerville, S.C., and subsequently striking a 15-year-old boy. Sebby-Strempel told the teens they ” … didn’t belong” upon their arrival at the pool and threatened to call police if they didn’t leave.
“There are three numbers I can dial: 9-1-1. Get out,” she shouts in the video taken by the victim. Moments later, she is seen swatting at the teen’s phone before hitting him several times as he tries to leave.
Dorchester Police said the woman is also facing two counts of assaulting an officer while resisting arrest after shoving a detective into the wall and biting the another so hard that she drew blood when they went to her home to arrest her Monday.
After learning the angry, white pool-goer was employed by the popular skincare company, internet sleuths did not waste time putting pressure on the brand to terminate her.
Another Racist Folks… Stephanie Stebby-Strembel Hit, attacked verbally abused, called cops on black teens in SC pool area.
She then attacked, fought, injured responding cops. She is on Facebook. Works for Rodan and Fields Skin Care Co.— Shirley Moore (@cocoanutcake) June 27, 2018
@stephsebby, @RodanFieldsHQ May the world see your true self – spewing hate and racisim. Maybe your stint in jail will wake you up a little. Rodan & Fields is this the person you want representing you or selling your products.
— loveunitesushatedividesus (@Ydreamnreality) June 27, 2018
“She is said to be a ‘skincare consultant for Rodan & Fields.”
There goes the value of that company then..Because those products are clearly not working. #rodanandfields
— Zoran Kanti-Paul (@ZoranKantiPaul) June 27, 2018
Critics weren’t satisfied with the company’s initial response to the incident, however.
“We do not condone violence of any kind and pride ourselves on embracing inclusion and acceptance of all,” the company wrote in response to an angry Twitter user. “Please note, this person isn’t a Rodan + Fields employee, but an Independent Contractor. We’re reaching out to this individual to reiterate our corporate values.”
This is in response to #PoolPatrolPaula aka Stephanie Sebby-Strempel. Excuse me @RodanFieldsHQ? What is there to be reiterated? She is obviously racist and she is promoting your product. But I guess your brand doesn't mind since you'll be reiterating the rules #boycottrodanfields pic.twitter.com/Z2vzMVKbQw
— Suki 👠👑💄🏳️🌈🇯🇵🇺🇲 (@PsychoSuki) June 26, 2018
@RodanFieldsHQ Your company doesnt condone violence from your employees yet you do from your independent contractors🤔
She phyiscally attacked and used racial slurs against a minor
You don’t need to reiterate your rules..You need to terminate her contract.#PoolPatrolPaula
— SIMPLY M.E. (@SimplyME_Born) June 26, 2018
#PoolPattyPaula is the latest to join a growing list of white women who’ve been publicly shamed after getting caught doing racist stuff on camera. Earlier this week, Alison Ettel, aka #PermitPatty, was forced to quit her cannabis company after video of her calling police on an 8-year-old Black girl selling water without a permit went viral. Then in May, Oakland woman Jennifer Schulte was dubbed #BBQBecky after dailng the cops on a group of Black friends barbecuing in a local park.
