This weekend, a video clip went viral that showed a woman calling the police on an 8-year-old girl who was "illegally selling water" without a permit.
Since the clip was uploaded online, it has been viewed millions of times, leading to a larger conversation about racial discrimination.
Dubbed "Permit Patty," the woman in the video is Alison Ettel, who works as the CEO at TreatWell Health. As the video reached more eyes, many viewers started calling for a boycott on the company, which sells marijuana-based tinctures and edibles. Some dispensaries even issued statements saying they would no longer carry TreatWell's products.
In response to the backlash, TreatWell shared a statement on Tuesday that announced Ettel had resigned from the company. "Alison Ettel, CEO of TreatWell Health, has resigned, effective immediately," the statement reads. "This decision, while not an easy one, is in the best interest of their patients. It is Ms. Ettel's belief that TreatWell, its employees, and patients should not have to suffer because of a situation that occurred in an escalated moment. And she regrets her part and is remorseful."
In an interview with CNN this week, Ettel said, "I was working from home. I was on some extreme deadlines. At the time, there was somebody shouting outside continuously. It was going on for a couple hours. I couldn't concentrate at all." Addressing the backlash to the video, she added, "It has tarnished my name, but also the company's name."
Read TreatWell's full statement below:
"As a spokesperson for Treatwell Health, we are deeply sorry and regret the incident that occurred this past weekend. A terrible mistake was made that affected a young girl and her family. It is important to know it was never the intention to disparage, harass or cause any harm to the child, nor her mother. However, in a heated moment, a critically wrong decision was made by our CEO. The guilt lies in that decision, and while it was completely wrong, the act that followed was not motivated by any racist intent whatsoever.
We are aware of the tumultuous tide of racism in this country and agree that its very existence has no place anywhere, especially in the Cannabis industry. Rather, we respect all family values, virtues and religious beliefs, lifestyles and we are supportive of all. And as a company we refute all notions of prejudice.
Our sole focus, as a company is to enrich, heal, and preserve the 1000's of lives of those patients in need. We do not seek forgiveness for the act, rather we accept the fact that a very poor decision was made.
We respect all people of color, race, creed, ethnic diversity and we are a zero tolerance, all-inclusive compliant business.
We ask for your professional courtesy and allow Treatwell Health time to mitigate the damages, particularly for the sanctity and future Medical Cannabis needs of our patients.
Alison Ettel, CEO of TreatWell Health, has resigned, effective immediately. This decision, while not an easy one, is in the best interest of their patients.
It is Ms. Ettel's belief that TreatWell, its employees, and patients should not have to suffer because of a situation that occurred in an escalated moment. And she regrets her part and is remorseful.
Alison has been an incredible asset in the development, marketing and overall success in bringing a highly regarded Medical Cannabis product to market. As a result, TreatWell has grown into a company that has far reaching important medical value and the work must continue. The founding principles in providing the highest-quality cannabis products and for the passion of patient care, has not changed. Ms. Ettel believes in TreatWell's fundamental roots- that patients come first, and she respectfully wishes the company continued success in all its endeavors."
