The ‘Pharma Bro’ is a cautionary tale

Shkreli was sentenced Friday afternoon to seven years in prison. He was convicted for securities fraud related to the two hedge funds he operated, according to CNBC. The conviction also involved his handling of his former drug company Retrophin. Along with prison time, he has also been ordered to surrender approximately $7.4 million to the federal government.

At his sentencing, Shkreli asked for leniency, verbally prostrating himself before the court. His request for mercy is a bit rich considering he is famous for a very specific reason: In 2015, he increased the price a life-saving AIDS drug by 5,000 percent.

“The one person to blame for me being here today is me,” he reportedly said. “Not the government. There is no conspiracy to take down Martin Shkreli.”

“I took down Martin Shkreli with my disgraceful and shameful actions. This is my fault. I am no victim here. Do not feel bad for me,” he added.

Then Shkreli began to cry. A lot.

Few — if any — felt sorry for him. In fact, celebrities, members of the press, random social media users, and just about everyone else cheered the news of his misery:

Shkreli is 34 years old. He will spend a substantial term in prison, and it looks like he’s going to do it alone.

It’ll be a wonder if there’s someone out there who feels badly enough for the Pharma Bro to offer him comfort. It’ll be a miracle if he actually gets the support most people crave when they have to undergo something as distressing and awful as incarceration.

But that’s what happens when your entire brand is being a contemptible pig. If you go through life acting like a jerk — and Shkreli certainly seems to have reveled in being one — don’t be surprised when no one comes to your side when you need it most.

I’m reminded of the 2013 movie “Rush,” which explores the classic 1970s rivalry between Formula 1 racers James Hunt and the Niki Lauda. The movie’s most entertaining element lies in the contrast between the two drivers: Hunt the English boozer and womanizer and Lauda the Austrian perfectionist. As with all perfectionists, Lauda is unpleasant and short-tempered with nearly everyone he comes across in his profession. He doesn’t care if sponsors, peers, etc. like him or not. He only cares about getting what he wants.

Without spoiling the movie, I’ll just mention that there’s a scene where Laudas’ unpleasantness and general unfriendliness work to his great disadvantage.

“You know, Niki, every now and then it helps if people like you,” Hunt remarks.

Shkreli would do well to take this sentiment to heart.

Life is tough. It’s tougher when you have no friends.