I remember it well--the book, I mean, not the content you refer to.

feh

love that photo,
by the great Elliott Landy

fun times

Fascinating how many of the comments here indicate clearly that nobody who responded to the post actually read the New Yorker piece. Lots of Gladwell-bashing, though!

Unbearable.

Maybe it wouldn't have affected the verdict. Sounds like Disney was not willing to take that risk--precisely because it might have been embarrassing. Corporations are not people. They don't just get over embarrassment and move on. I am not excusing or endorsing their decision, btw. Just speculating.

First they--or anyone--would want to make sure that the money gets directly into the hands of the needy and that it isn't stolen or hijacked by bad actors.

Indeed it is *very* pleasant. And unusual. Thank you.
For some reason, your reply called to mind this gem from
My Fair Lady: