Sarma Melngailis'earnings from Netflix's Bad Vegan Fame. Fraud. Exiles. went to her wronged workers.
The docuseries, which premiered on the streaming service on Wednesday, explores the downfall of Melngailis, who went from famed restaurateur to fugitive when she went on the run with also- hubby Anthony Strangis after swiping nearly$ 2 million from investors and workers.
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| Sarma Melngailis |
"It's standard practice — to say nothing of journalistic integrity — that subjects don't get paid for participation in pictures, at least not the estimable bones,"Melngailis, known as the"Queen of Vegan Cuisine," participated on her website Wednesday.
She continued,"In my case, still, and at my asseveration, the directors made an exception so that I could pay the total quantum my former workers were owed — quantities that accrued after my exposure in 2015."
"Of all the detriment and the numerous debts performing from my downfall, this portion counted heaviest,"Melngailis added.
RELATED The True Story Behind Netflix's New Docuseries Bad Vegan
Melngailis went on to say that Bad Vegan portrays her" veritably near" bond with her now-former staff, adding that" designedly harming them is just about the last thing I'd have done. The good people who'd worked at the business back also were right to be devastated and angry. It was as if I'd abandoned them, which in effect I did."
The restauranteur added"There was no factual gun to my head so it'll be said that of course I had a choice. I get that. Still, the response that I must be crazy and/ or stupid is an easy, reductive bone. I am not stupid and I am not crazy. I'm lowered and lowered by all the damage caused, but have been working to rebuild a strong foundation of tone- reliance and tone- mindfulness."
Melngailis said her earnings went to her attorney, who was paid the same day caffs in New York City closed in 2020 amid the wide coronavirus, and herex-employees' attorney.
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She also noted that she claimed the plutocrat"for income duty purposes," still, she reiterated,"Beyond getting former workers repaid, I didn't else profit from Bad Vegan. Netflix and/ or the directors can confirm this. Anyone who is been the subject of a estimable talkie or who works in the assiduity could also confirm the standard practice of not paying subjects."
Netflix didn't incontinently respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.
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Though Melngailis said she was"relieved once payment went through,"she continued,"but that was just a small part of what remains outstanding."
"I want to be clear that I will keep working towards addressing it all — one way or another — ultimately."