Who was Laura Ann Carleton? 'Ghostbusters' director Paul Feig mourns California shop owner shot dead over Pride flag
LAKE ARROWHEAD, CALIFORNIA: Paul Feig has mourned the loss of his friend Laura Ann Carleton, who was fatally gunned down on Friday, August 18. She was reportedly killed following a row over an LGBTQ+ Pride flag, which she had put at her store.
The 60-year-old 'Ghostbusters' director took to Instagram to pay tribute to Carleton as he wrote, “Our wonderful friend Lauri Carlton (seen in this picture) was murdered yesterday in her store @magpi_shop in Lake Arrowhead by a 27-year-old man who didn’t like that she had a large pride flag hanging outside of her shop.”
He shared, “He ripped it down and when she confronted him about it he shot and killed her.”
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Laura Ann Carleton’s ‘alleged murderer was later shot and killed’
“We are all devastated for her husband Bort and her family and the LGBTQ+ community, for whom Lauri was such a true ally,” he said, before confirming, “Her alleged murderer was later shot and killed by the San Bernardino police and so no longer poses a threat to the community.”
But Feig also asserted that “this intolerance has to end. Anyone using hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community has to realize their words matter, that their words can inspire violence against innocent loving people.”
“Let’s all keep moving forward with tolerance and love. Let’s not let Lauri’s tragic death be in vain,” he added.
Laura Ann Carleton owned Mag.Pi clothing
Carleton was reportedly the owner of a clothing store, named Mag.Pi clothing, in Lake Arrowhead. As per her website, her “career in fashion began early in her teens, working in the family business at Fred Segal Feet in Los Angeles while attending Art Center School of Design.”
The website continues, “Eventually she joined Kenneth Cole almost from its inception and remained there for over fifteen years as an executive,” before mentioning her personal life.
“With a penchant for longevity, she has been married to the same man for 28 years and is the mother of a blended family of nine children, the youngest being identical twin girls,” it adds.
Kristin Davis remembers Laura Ann Carleton
The ‘Sex and the City’ actress Kristin Davis has also honored Carleton with a heartfelt note. She said, “I had the pleasure of meeting Lauri and shopping in her charming store over the summer.
“I cannot comprehend what has happened and I can only imagine what her family and close friends are going through. We cannot rest in our work towards love and understanding and equality for every person.”
“To think that she was murdered for her support of our LQBTQ+ family tears my heart into pieces. I want Lauri to be known as the HERO she was and is,” Davis added.