Apple is pushing back strongly against a New York Times report which details serious workplace complaints about its vice president of fitness technologies Jay Blahnik.
A group of 9 current and former team members have accused Blahnik of creating a hostile work environment marked by verbal abuse, inappropriate remarks, and manipulation. They say these issues have contributed to more than 10 employees on a roughly 100 person team taking extended medical leaves since 2022.
The report notes that one employee described the environment as the most toxic workplace she had ever experienced. Specific incidents include a reportedly crude joke about an athlete during a fitness meeting, as well as allegedly inappropriate comments aimed at team members, including speculation about personal matters unless appropriate for a professional setting.
In addition a former creative director alleges receiving an unsettling late night text in 2022, which led to him taking medical leave and ultimately reaching a settlement with Apple after mediation.
The most significant up to now legal chapter involves Mandana Mofidi, who filed suit against Apple and Jay Blahnik in Los Angeles County Superior Court in 2024. She alleges that she was bullied after she participated in an internal harassment inquiry and raised concerns about unequal pay.
Her lawsuit claims that her performance was unfairly criticized, and that she was forced into a position between accepting a performance plan or resigning. She eventually resigned and the case is set to go to trial in 2027.
Apple has issued a firm denial of the story’s allegations. Spokesperson Lance Lin said the company strongly disagrees with the premise, and asserts that there are multiple inaccuracies and mischaracterizations. But Apple declined to point to specific examples of those inaccuracies.
Apple added that it takes all concerns seriously investigates them thoroughly and remains deeply committed to maintaining a positive and inclusive workplace. The internal investigation the company conducted reportedly found no evidence of wrongdoing and allowed Jay Blahnik to remain in his role.
Blahnik remains an influential figure within Apple known for creating the popular Close Your Rings feature on Apple Watch and launching Fitness plus.
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