Apple has always been a company that prides itself on its values and its commitment to social responsibility. However, recent events have caused some internal turmoil within the company, as revealed by internal Slack logs shared with The Intercept.
The logs show that many Apple employees were outraged by CEO Tim Cook’s decision to attend a movie screening with First Lady Melania Trump just hours after the death of Claudia Patricia Gómez González, also known as Pretti. Pretti was a 20-year-old Guatemalan woman who was shot and killed by a U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent in Texas.
The movie, titled “Melania,” is a documentary about the first lady’s life and has been criticized for whitewashing her controversial past. The fact that Cook chose to attend this screening, instead of addressing the tragic death of Pretti, has caused a lot of anger and disappointment among Apple employees.
Many employees took to Slack to express their frustration and disappointment with Cook’s actions. Some even called for a boycott of the company, stating that they could not support a company that is so closely associated with the Trump administration.
One employee wrote, “I am disgusted by Cook’s actions. How can we claim to be a socially responsible company when our CEO is cozying up to a president who is responsible for the death of an innocent woman? This goes against everything Apple stands for.”
Another employee added, “I have always been proud to work for Apple, but this incident has shaken my faith in the company. We cannot stay silent and continue to support a company that is not standing up for what is right.”
The fact that Cook chose to attend the movie screening just hours after Pretti’s death has also raised questions about Apple’s silence on the matter. While other tech companies, such as Microsoft and Google, have publicly condemned the actions of CBP and the Trump administration, Apple has remained silent.
This silence has not gone unnoticed by employees, who are questioning the company’s commitment to its values and social responsibility. Many are calling for a statement from Cook or the company as a whole, urging them to take a stand against the injustice and violence happening at the U.S. border.
One employee wrote, “I am ashamed that our company has not spoken out about the death of Pretti. We have a responsibility to use our platform and voice to stand up against these injustices. Our silence is complicit.”
The internal backlash within Apple highlights the importance of a company’s values and the impact they have on employees. Many employees joined Apple because of its commitment to social responsibility and its stance on important issues. However, Cook’s actions have caused some to question whether the company truly stands by its values.
In response to the outrage, an Apple spokesperson stated that Cook’s attendance at the movie screening was not a political statement and that he was invited by the first lady herself. However, this explanation has not been enough to quell the disappointment and anger among employees.
As a company that prides itself on innovation and progress, Apple has a responsibility to use its platform and voice to stand up for what is right. The company has the power to make a difference and to speak out against injustices, and it is time for them to do so.
In conclusion, the internal Slack logs shared with The Intercept have shed light on the outrage and disappointment within Apple over Cook’s actions. The company’s employees are calling for a stronger stance on social issues and for the company to use its influence for good. It is time for Apple to live up to its values and take a stand against injustice.
