Ghostbusters director Paul Feig has revealed that the California shopkeeper who was shot dead because of a Pride flag in her store was his “wonderful friend”.
In an Instagram tribute, the well-known Hollywood producer said that Magpi boutique owner Laura Ann Carleton is a “true ally” of the LGBTQ+ community.
Carleton, a mother of nine, was shot dead outside her Lake Arrowhead store on Friday night after an unknown suspect allegedly tore down her hanging Pride flag.
Feig wrote in his Instagram post Saturday night that “this intolerance must end” and that he is committed to ensuring her death will not be “in vain.”
‘Bridesmaids’ director Paul Feig (left) has revealed that California shopkeeper Laura Ann Carleton (right), who was shot dead because of a Pride flag in her store, was a friend of his
Carleton, a mother of nine, was shot dead outside her Lake Arrowhead Magpi boutique (pictured) on Friday night after an unidentified suspect allegedly tore down her hanging Pride flag
“Anyone who uses hateful language against the LGBTQ+ community needs to realize that their words matter and that their words can lead to violence against innocent, loving people.” “Let us all move forward with tolerance and love ‘ Feig wrote.
Other entertainment industry figures commemorating Carleton over the weekend included Andy Cohen, Adam Scott, Sophia Bush and Charlize Theron.
In the tribute, Feig took aim at the 27-year-old suspect, who “didn’t like that there was a Pride flag outside her store” and tore it down.
“He ripped it off, and when she confronted him about it, he shot her,” Feig wrote, adding that he is “devastated for her husband Bort and her family.”
The director also said it was a tremendous loss for the LGBTQ+ community, who lost a “true ally” in Carleton.
Carleton (pictured) was shot dead after the suspect allegedly tore down her Pride flag and made several snide remarks about the show of support for the LGBTQ+ community
A single bullet hole was visible in the store’s window on Saturday, and someone had put a sign next to it that read “Thank you for your love.”
Feig ended his post by appealing to his followers to show them love and acceptance.
His message was echoed by Somebody Somewhere star Bridget Everett, who also posted about the woman’s murder and Carleton’s penchant for standing up to hate.
“In the past, if someone took down or destroyed her flag, she hung another,” Everett wrote alongside a picture of the Southern California shopkeeper.
“The last time I saw Lauri, oddly enough, was at Lake Arrowhead Pride, both at the parade and then at a party. “All this anti-LGBTQ rhetoric comes at a price,” she added.
Famous friends of Feig and Everett peppered their comments with condolences and messages of love and support for Carleton’s family.
“Just upsetting and heartbreaking.” “My heart goes out to her family, just pointless,” wrote Parks and Recreations and Party Down star Adam Scott.
“This is devastating and upsetting,” shared “Broad City” actor Abbi Jacobson. “Heartbreaking,” Charlize Theron wrote along with a red heart emoji.
“Oh, this is just awful,” added comedian Amy Sedaris.
Feig’s message was echoed by Somebody Somewhere star Bridget Everett, who also posted about the woman’s murder and Carleton’s penchant for standing up to hate
Famous friends of Feig and Everett peppered their comments with condolences and messages of love and support for Carleton’s family
Broad City actor Abbi Jacobson, Parks and Recreations star Adam Scott and comedian Amy Sedaris were just a few of the names who shared their condolences on Instagram
“Heartbreaking,” Charlize Theron wrote along with a red heart emoji
Carleton was reportedly alive when officers arrived at the scene of the shooting, but was later pronounced dead when officers searched for the suspect.
The shooter fled the area in front of Carleton’s store on foot before disappearing into bushes on a nearby highway.
Police officers spotted the suspect, still armed with a pistol, and shot him dead.
Crowds of mourners turned out over the weekend to show their love and support for the prematurely taken pillar of the community.
On Saturday, a single bullet hole was visible in the store’s front window, with a sign next to it that read “Thank you for your love.”
The Pride flag, which was at the center of the shooting, could be seen unfurled and on the ground at the scene after Friday’s incident.
Carleton – who was known to friends as Lauri – spent her time with her children and husband there and in Lake Arrowhead, where the family owned a restored 1920’s fisherman’s cottage
The mother-of-nine owned and operated the store for more than a decade before she was killed outside the store on Friday. Police said they found her still suffering at the scene before finally pronouncing her dead
. A biography featured on the woman’s website recalls some of her achievements as a renowned fashion figure in Southern California, where she spent years as an executive for companies like Kenneth Cole before focusing on her businesses in Studio City and Lake Arrowhead respectively
In a joint tribute to their mother released Sunday afternoon, Carleton’s twin daughters recalled their mother’s life and thanked the public for their support.
“As most of you know, on Friday, August 18th, our beautiful mama was taken from us in a senseless act of violence.” “She was murdered because of a Pride flag she proudly displayed on her storefront,” shared Kelsey and Ari Carleton with.
“Make no mistake, this was a hate crime. Her flags had been torn down before and she always responded by hanging a bigger one. Our family is broken.
We have a long road ahead of us as we navigate this new reality without our loving matriarch. We find peace in knowing that she died quickly in a place she cherished, doing what she loved while fiercely defending what she believed in.
“She was fearless, cool and compassionate — she always put others first.”
“We are overwhelmed by the love and support our family has received from loved ones and strangers alike. She has brought hope and light to our darkest days.” We will continue to champion love, equality and acceptance in everything we do.
“Love will always triumph over hate,” they wrote.
“As most of you know, on Friday, August 18th, our beautiful mama was taken from us in a senseless act of violence.” “She was murdered because of a Pride flag she proudly displayed on her storefront,” the Carletons posted Twin daughters on Sunday on Instagram
The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail – also responded at the scene and subsequently assumed responsibility for the investigation.
The store, which opened just over a decade ago in the quaint mountain town, was one of two trendy clothing stores Carleton had operated – the other being located on Ventura Boulevard in Studio City in Los Angeles.
Carleton – known to friends as Lauri – spent her time with her children and husband there and in Lake Arrowhead, where the family owned a restored 1920’s fisherman’s cottage.
A biography featured on the woman’s website commemorates some of her achievements as a renowned fashion figure in Southern California.
“Lauri Carleton’s career in fashion began early in her teens, working at Fred Segal Feet’s family business in Los Angeles while attending the Art Center School of Design.
“From then on, she ran ‘the’ top fashion shoe floor in the US at Joseph Magnin Century City.”
“Finally, she joined Kenneth Cole almost from the start and stayed with Kenneth Cole for over fifteen years as an executive, building highly successful companies, working with factories and design teams in Italy and Spain, and traveling more than 200 days a year.”
Carleton was married to her husband for more than 28 years before her death
According to a bio on their website, the couple had a blended family of nine children
“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.”
“She and her husband have traveled most of the US, Europe and South America.”
“Through these journeys they have nurtured a passion for architecture, design, fine arts, food and fashion, learning to embrace and appreciate the beauty, style and brilliance of life.”
The investigation into the altercation is still ongoing.