Apology after woman told in interview her 'brown skin' would make clients uncomfortable

Sydney advertising agency Banjo apologised to Sri Lankan woman Surungi Emily Hohol after she claims it said she was unsuitable for a role because it already employed two other ‘brown skin people’.

Surungi Emily Hohol. Source: Facebook

Banjo went into damage control on Friday after Surungi Emily Hohol took to Facebook to express she was “livid and seriously irritated” about being told she was not a suitable candidate for a role because she was “brown”.

Banjo CEO Andrew Varasdi said on Friday the company would like to offer an “unreserved apology” for an “unfortunate misunderstanding” that occurred during an interview with the candidate.

In the Facebook post this week Surungi Emily Hohol wrote: “Yesterday I had an interview at a creative ad agency in Sydney and was told that due to being brown and Indian (though I’m Sri Lankan) and have lived in Australia for 27 years I wouldn’t be suitable for the role."

She said the agency reasoned that was because it had “already employed two other Indian people,” and that the “client might be alarmed by having three brown skin people attend a meeting”.

Surungi Emily Hohol expressed frustration over the incident on Facebook. Source: Facebook

Mr Varsadi said that his staff member who conducted the interview “made a casual remark at the end of the interview, which was intended to set the person at ease.

“Unfortunately it was taken out of context and has since gained some notoriety on social media.”

Mumbrella said it saw an email where the interviewer praised the candidate.

“Loved her positive energy and I definitely think she has loads of experience,” Mumbrella quoted the email as saying.

“So definitely (name removed) is on the cards, but we would also like to meet other candidates as well before we come to a decision.”