The Museum Security Network NEVER posted that this L.A. lawyer 'was a top Nazi's granddaughter', but only forwarded a message in which this lawyer was QUOTED 'bragging' that she is the granddaughter of a nazi. Ms. Batzel's lawyer states in the New Times report that "to this day, there is no apology."
Please read the e-mail I sent to Ms. Batzel January 4, 2000 (!!) in which I did offer her my apologies.
(In due time all e-mails Ms. Batzel sent me and my former employer will be published on the Museum Security Network site)
Dear Ellen Batzel,
The only thing I can say is that you are very right and that this message should not have been forwarded to the mailinglist. Even though the original sender was (and is) responsible for the information send to the list I should have been much more cautious forwarding it. Our mailinglist has send over 25 megabytes of information to our subscribers the past three years. It was not until the 'send' button was pressed that I realized that this might harm you. The only thing I could do to limit any harm was to erase all this information from our archives (which I did). I do not know what you told Bob Smith to have him send his message to the list. Our USA contributing editor has been in touch with Mr. Smith by phone. Since I did not archive his message I do not have your phonenumber anymore. The Museum Security Network is a non-profit endeavour, and this far all possible precautions have been taken not to send confidential information to our subscribers. The only reactions I received were, like yours, critical reactions. All of this happened quite some time ago. If you would like to our forum is open to you to send your reactions to the list. On the other hand I think it would be wise not to remind everyone of this tragic mistake. Please do accept my sincere apologies.
Ton Cremers
From: Elbatzel@ Date: Tue, 4 Jan 2000 11:09:42 EST Subject: (no subject) To: securma@museum-security.org
Dear Sirs: My name is Ellen Batzel. I am a lawyer in Asheville, NC. I am a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania law school, class of 1977. I have taught law school, as well as practiced law, for over 22 years. I believe I have a good reputation. It has been brought to my attention that you posted a letter written to you by Bob Smith, a contractor in Asheville, NC, setting forth my name, address and phone number on or about September 10, 1999. I know Mr. Smith and have some idea as to why he would do what he did, but I can't believe that you would be so irresponsible as to print his letter. I am shocked and appalled by this outrageous slander, this malicious slander. I am outraged that you would print my name, address and phone number, putting me and my property at risk. What do you want to do about this malicious slander? What do you want to do about the harm you have caused and are causing me? The risk you have caused and are causing to me. Oh, yes, I represent artists, art galleries, and antique dealers in Los Angeles. (In fact, all of the art and antiques that I own were bought from my clients, or at public auction.) I practice law in NC and in Los Angeles, CA. I am on the Board of Trustees of the Asheville Art Museum. Do you want to have your attorneys contact me? You have my phone number. I am VERY UPSET about this. VERY UPSET. Ellen Batzel at elbatzel@