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Larry Platt out at Philadelphia magazine

Philadelphia magazine yesterday parted ways with editor Larry Platt who was at its helm for eight years.

Platt's contract with the magazine is up in August, but he was informed yesterday that he would not stay on, we're told.

Sources tell us the decision was largely due to Platt's history of inappropriate and unprofessional remarks and jokes to his employees, in what closely resembled the behavior of the fictional "The Office" boss Michael Scott.

We hear that Platt's recent gift of a framed-photo of a cyst removed from his testicle to a departing female staffer, was one of the examples that led to the decision of Herbert and David Lipson, chairman and president of Metrocorp, which owns the magazine, to relieve him of his duties. The magazine announced today that Platt has resigned.

David Lipson declined to comment on Platt's departure further than what the company issued in a statement.

"After a difficult meeting yesterday afternoon with the Lipsons, it became clear to me that my time at Philly mag has run its course," Platt e-mailed former colleagues today. Platt says he submitted his resignation "effective immediately," and that he will return to his passion of writing. "After two years of nonstop business meetings, I'm actually looking forward to telling stories again," Platt said. He added that he was proud of the July issue and it was "a particularly good one, and a good one for me to go out on after nearly eight years of award-winning journalism. I'm sorry I'm not there to tell you all this in person, but I hate being all visibly emotional.," he wrote.

Reached by phone this afternoon, Platt declined to comment further than what he conveyed to his colleagues.

"Larry Platt reshaped the magazine during an era of great editorial strength, and also great popularity," said Herb Lipson in a statement. "I wish him the best in his future endeavors, and look forward to the continuing prominence of Philadelphia under the talented staff that Larry leaves behind."

Lipson announced that seven-year Philadelphia magazine staffer Tom McGrath will assume the role of interim editor.  McGrath has served as executive editor since 2005, and in 2009 also became online editorial director.