Dan Gross: Larry Platt quits Philadelphia magazine after 8 years
Philadelphia magazine on Thursday parted ways with editor Larry Platt, who was at its helm for nearly eight years. Platt's contract with the magazine is up in August, but after returning to work Thursday following shoulder surgery, he was informed that he would not stay on, we're told.
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hiladelphia
magazine on Thursday parted ways with editor Larry Platt, who was at its helm for nearly eight years.
Platt's contract with the magazine is up in August, but after returning to work Thursday following shoulder surgery, he was informed 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 that closely resembled the behavior of fictional "The Office" boss Michael Scott.
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 yesterday that Platt had 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 yesterday. 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."
Reached by phone yesterday, Platt declined to comment further than what he conveyed to his co-workers.
"Larry Platt reshaped the magazine during an era of great editorial strength, and also great popularity," Herb Lipson said 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 become interim editor. McGrath has served as executive editor since 2005 and in 2009 also became online editorial director.
Platt, who lives in Ardmore, is the author of several books including "Only the Strong Survive: The Odyssey of Allen Iverson" and had long written for Philadelphia magazine as well as GQ, The New York Times Magazine, Playboy, Men's Journal and Salon.com.
Platt also oversaw Boston magazine and four more Metrocorp titles.