Coldwell Banker Real Estate says it is parting ways with Fox News “expert” and reality TV psychotherapist Dr. Robi Ludwig, who suggested on Saturday that Elliot Rodger, who killed six people and wounded 13 others near UC Santa Barbara last week, may have been triggered by an inability to cope with “homosexual impulses.”
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Rodger, who took his own life in a police standoff following the rampage, left behind a 141-page manifesto and several YouTube videos indicating his motive for the killings was his anger over being ignored by women, and treated “like scum.”
On Sunday, Ludwig posted a statement on Facebook that her remarks were misunderstood, but on Monday, Coldwell Banker responded on Facebook to gay rights activist Scott Wooledge, who asked for confirmation that Ludwig was a spokesperson for the company.
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In response, Coldwell Banker wrote:
“Dr. Robi’s comments on the tragedy in Santa Barbara do not represent the opinions of Coldwell Banker. Therefore at this time we feel it best to part ways with her as our lifestyle real estate correspondent.”
Ludwig, a doctor of psychology, also said, while acknowledging that she didn’t know and didn’t diagnose Rodger, that he may have been at the early stages of schizophrenia.
Her remarks have been widely criticized as professionally unethical for speculating on a person’s mental health for entertainment or political purposes while assuming the role of an expert.
Coldwell Banker has also removed Ludwig’s articles from its website.
