TLDR: How do I decline a reco to a toxic workplace that I was just illegally let go from without making me or the employer look bad?
WHOLE STORY:
A former colleague who I like (let's call her Mildred) triangulated an intro on LinkedIn. Mildred msgd me with a colleague of hers (let's call them Richard) on cc.
Mildred intro'd Richard and said that he just applied to a job at my former employer. Said employer filed bankruptcy while I was on an approved medical leave of absence and then terminated my employment.
It was an abusive and toxic place way before I got there, all during my time there, and obviously while I've been away. But they're hiring a ton right now since people left in droves or were laid off. This is the 2nd person to HMU for a referral.
I want to maintain a warm relationship with Mildred in general and esp. since now I need a new job.
How do I kindly and professionally turn down this referral without badmouthing the employer, revealing that I don't work there, or alienating either of them by seeming rude?