What Happened to Alison Ettel? The Viral "Permit Patty" Story Unraveled
Hello there, curious minds! Today, we're diving into the intriguing story of Alison Ettel, the woman who became infamous as "Permit Patty" in 2018. So, grab a cup of coffee, get comfy, and let's find out what happened to Alison Ettel. Guys, explore more in Guides And Explainers and what happened to alison ettel.
The Incident: When a Barbecue Became a Social Media Storm
June 23, 2018, was an ordinary day in San Francisco's Bayview-Hunters Point neighborhood, until it wasn't.
Alison Ettel, a local real estate agent, decided to have a barbecue at her apartment complex. Meanwhile, Erin Austin, a black woman, was having a first birthday party for her daughter in the same complex. Now, here's where things get interesting.
Ettel, feeling disturbed by the noise and lack of parking spots, decided to call the police. However, instead of simply making the call, she pretended to dial 911 while standing behind Austin, holding her phone to her ear. Austin's eight-year-old daughter captured the scene on video, which was later uploaded to Instagram and quickly went viral.
The Viral Video: "Permit Patty" is Born
The video showed Ettel, a white woman, appearing to call the police on Austin, a black woman, for having a barbecue. The internet was quick to react, and Alison Ettel became an overnight sensation - but not the good kind. She was dubbed "Permit Patty" by the internet, a reference to a previous incident where Ettel had called the police on an eight-year-old black girl selling water without a permit.
The Aftermath: Apologies, Explanations, and Consequences
Ettel's Apology
In the aftermath of the viral video, Ettel issued an apology. She claimed she had not actually called the police and was only bluffing to get the noise to stop. She also mentioned she was having a bad day due to a family emergency. However, many found her apology insincere, given her previous incidents.
The Internet's Reaction
The internet was not kind to Alison Ettel. She received death threats and had her business rated 1.1 stars on Yelp. Her real estate license was also put under review by the California Bureau of Real Estate.
Ettel's Business and Career
Ettel's cannabis edibles company, TreatWell, was dropped by several dispensaries following the incident. She also lost her job as a real estate agent due to the controversy.
The Bigger Picture: Racial Bias and Social Media
The "Permit Patty" incident sparked important conversations about racial bias and white privilege. Many saw Ettel's actions as an example of a white person calling the police on a black person for minor, innocent reasons, a phenomenon known as "driving while black" or "barbecuing while black."
The viral nature of the video also highlighted the power of social media in holding people accountable for their actions. Alison Ettel's life was forever changed by a single video, serving as a reminder that our actions have consequences, especially in the digital age.
What Happened to Alison Ettel After the Incident?
After the incident, Alison Ettel kept a low profile. She moved out of the apartment complex and started a new job. She also claimed to have learned from her mistakes and was working on becoming a better person.
However, in 2020, Ettel was back in the news after she was arrested for possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine) and drug paraphernalia. This incident further tarnished her public image and underscored the challenges she faced after the "Permit Patty" incident.
Lessons Learned: The Power of Social Media and the Importance of Empathy
The story of Alison Ettel serves as a stark reminder of the power of social media and the consequences of our actions. It also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in our interactions with others.
Next time you're having a bad day, remember Ettel's story. Instead of lashing out, take a deep breath and try to understand the other person's perspective. It might just save you from becoming the next viral sensation - and not in a good way.
And that, folks, is what happened to Alison Ettel. Until next time, stay curious and keep learning!