Ruth Madoff Takes F Train To Schadenfreude Station

As Ponzi-schemer Bernie Madoff anxiously awaits his Monday sentencing, his wife Ruth has really been making an effort to counter the impression that she's still living large off her husband's victims. Just look at her here, riding one of those underground locomotives, wearing her working class dungarees, and contemplating a sweet 99-cent cellphone offer! But just don't expect her to be happy about her humiliating new commute in steerage—when the Post photographer tried to help publicize her modest lifestyle, she asked, "Are you having fun embarrassing me—and ruining my life?" You see, if only the tabloids had just minded their own business, she never would have lost her Florida mansion, the chateau on the French Riviera, and the yachts. But the Post's article is just, uh, ruthless in its demagoguery, even gleefully pointing out that besides her déclassé "oversized jacket and unfashionable flats," Ruth "was also having another bad-hair day. Since her upscale hairstylist, Pierre Michel, banned her from his salon, it's been streaked with gray instead of highlights." Ouch. Ruth, who's also been spotted buying the Post at newsstands, might want the Daily News today instead. (Or not!)

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By John Del Signore in News on June 25, 2009 12:03 PM

Comments [rss]

mmmButter

what an awesome title.

mmmButter

what an awesome title.

Barbj8

I think she is sitting on gum!

Guest

When Madoff's is sentenced, they should make it unlawful for him or any of his family to use the words "you're ruining my life". If they break this law, they are to be slapped about the head and neck with a large plastic wiffle-ball bat while the attacker shouts "Feel the irony as it pounds your skull!"

felixthecat2

now the F line is the dirtiest line not the R

http://www.nydailynews.com/ny_local/2009/06/25/2009-06-25_stand_clear_of_the_spreading_grime_r_line_wi.html

r1b2

Good thing Metrocards have the notch and the hole so she knew how to swipe correctly.

http://gothamist.com/2008/12/16/9_wrong_ways_to_swipe_a_metrocard.php

fauxsella

If there was any justice in the universe, she'd be forced to take the Rockaway Park Shuttle and transfer at Broad Channel for a LOCAL A train and learn the true meaning of boredom.

Hillymeg

Normally, I feel bad for experiencing schadenfreude, but in their case, I kind of make an exception. Here's why...

http://blog.beliefnet.com/everydayethics/2009/05/a-bernie-madoff-schadenfreude-story.html

JacqueMehoff

ty for that link,

I loved the last commenter. greedy was what's wrong with him, blinded by greed. blind entitled greed. he can be disappointed all he wants.

azzh01

Looks like she feels entitle to THREE seats.

fuck you bitch

ThisCharmingMan

The Post sucks.

Qraymond

There is a difference between justice and petty vindictiveness. I find it hard to believe that she wasn't in on her husband's scheme. But if that is the case, she should be proscuted in a court of law. Persecuting her on the subway achieves nothing and makes us all a bit smaller.

Jen S

I'm in the same boat. When will we be satisfied? When she jumps from her apartment window?

NannyState

Head first, maybe. Feet first, nope.

matty

Being ostracized from society is in itself a punishment for bad behavior. In this case, if she sparked the public's err this much then it's no surprise that she is being treated like this.

I agree that it's petty, but what do you expect?

citizenerased

Schadenfreude bought naming rights for a station too?

pissflaps

NOW HEAR THIS!

for anybody who spots ruth riding the subway, at otb, or conway... it is now mandatory to point, and laugh maniacally.

or pee on her.

JacqueMehoff

why is she sitting in the middle seat?

Clarice City

She'a also one of those assholes that wear sunglasses in the train.

BlackieJones

Rude bitch.

maryjr

she obviously is unaware of standard subway riding procedure of only leaving one seat open next to you if possible.

jibbly

Seriously, and if only for her own sake as now she'll be in the "bitch" seat. Everyone knows that the best seat (for a solo rider) on those trains is the one closest to the doors since: A) You are spared from touching someone else at least on one side of your body, B) the jerks that put their feet on the seats usually do so from the forward/backward facing ones and the door seats are too far for their nasty shoes to reach, and C) you are able to rush out the doors quickest.

Better learn the the system, Ruth!

felixthecat2

I wouldn't sit next to the door since the crooks snatch the phone out of my hand and ran out quickly out since I was next to the door.

freddynyc

She looks better in that photo than most people are willing to admit, but then again who really cares what a 70 yo woman looks like - sorry...

maryjr

(insert violin playing)

matty

I wish I could feel sorry for her but I really don't.

CR

If she had any friends left they'd likely be completely aghast at this. How many times did the station agent need to explain it before Ruth understood the concept of a Metrocard?