A guy quoted the movie Arthur. Apple fired him.
Yup. A guy quoted a movie. A classic, excellent, super-quotable movie.
Apple fired him!
We think it’s a little bit of an overcorrection.
Apple’s vice president of procurement, Tony Blevins, lost his job after his crude remarks in a TikTok video.
Here’s what happened.
Earlier this month, creator TikToker Daniel Mac, whose schtick is walking up to people in expensive or luxurious cars and asking what they do for a living. Mac posted a video of Blevins.
“I race cars and play golf and fondle big-breasted women. But I take weekends and major holidays off,” Blevins said.
@itsdanielmac Quite the occupation this man has ✍️ #mercedesbenz #supercarstiktok #slr #car
♬ original sound - DANIEL MAC
This is a mangled quote from 1981’s classic comedy “Arthur” starring Dudley Moore.
I know this because my brother quotes it all the time. We both do.
I actually bought my brother a six pack of pint glasses with his favorite “Arthur” quotes, including the gem that got Blevins fired. It’s one of my favorite purchases.
The video doesn’t identify Blevins by name. And it doesn’t even MENTION Apple.
Yet, the video set off an internal investigation at Apple, according to Bloomberg.
And then, poof! Blevins was gone.
Bloomberg said Blevins angered some employees, who thought the comments didn’t align with Apple’s goals of increasing women’s representation and empowerment.
To be fair, Apple’s employee documents states the want employees to be themselves, “but you should also be respectful in posts, tweets, and other online communications.”
Meanwhile, Blevins apologized “to anyone who was offended by my mistaken attempt at humor,” according to Bloomberg.
Great. He said he was sorry. Was it a good look? No. Is he a jerk? Possibly? Would I want to be stuck in an elevator with him? No way.
But after 22 years at Apple, he didn’t even get a warning.
A bit much.
Anyway, let’s concentrate on the positive – the movie.
“Arthur” stars Dudley Moore as a VERY tipsy heir to a fortune, John Gielgud as his exasperated butler, Hobson, and Liza Minelli as his adorable, sticky-fingered love interest. Linda. Here are some top quotes.
I beg of you, watch the movie.
