Exec Bullies Chick-Fil-A Worker, Then Promptly Gets Fired For It

Business Insider ^ | August 2, 2012 | Kim Bhasin

[Iron Munro]

Adam Smith, former CFO and treasurer of medical supplies manufacturer Vante, riled people up today when he put up a video of himself bullying a Chick-fil-A drive-thru employee in Tucson on YouTube.

Smith unsympathetically berates the worker in the video, which was initially titled ”Reduce $’s to Chick-Fil-A’s Hate Groups.” It has since been taken down (though other have uploaded it too).

”I’m a nice guy, by the way … totally heterosexual," he says to the worker. "Not a gay in me, I just can’t stand the hate.”

Smith has now been fired from his job at Vante. Here's the press release from Vante announcing that Smith is "no longer an employee of our company," effective immediately:

[MortMan]

This branched out into “conduct unbecoming”. A chief-anything officer of a company is on duty 24/7, and deliberately presenting an image that is unattractive to the company is a firing offense.

[MNJohnnie]

Basic clause in an executive contract stipulates about their private actions having impact on brand name. His actions did irreparable damage to their brand. He was fired with cause. It is not a free speech issue at all.

[edged25]

Thats perfect, just perfect.. I laughed right out loud that ex ec is a real tool

[moovova]

I wonder if there is any fiction incorporated into that resume?

A little scrutiny might yield a few surprises...

[MNJohnnie]

From the company's press release. He was fired for cause.

We respect the right of our employees and all Americans to hold and express their personal opinions, however, we also expect our company officers to behave in a manner commensurate with their position and in a respectful fashion that conveys these values of civility with others.

[fr_freak]

I support free speech for all - even lefties. Was hostile and not properly done but don’t feel someone should be fired to expressing political views unless there’s some other interest at stake.

I support free speech and private property rights. That means that this idiot is free to say what he wants, and his employer is free to terminate his ass if they don't like it. The First Amendment is a restriction on the government's power - not a restriction on the people.

[Heart of Georgia]

“I support free speech for all - even lefties.”

You’re speaking of supporting Constitutional free speech which has to do with the govt hindering you.

“Was hostile and not properly done but don’t feel someone should be fired to expressing political views unless there’s some other interest at stake.”

In personal matters it’s more likely you’re using free will and you make a dumb decision to act or speak your mind, just as this fool did, but you risk the consequences - such as get beat up, get shot, or fired.

[Eleutheria5]

Why should browbeating a peasant cause me to be fired? I was showing how progressive I am, and opposed to violating the rights of gays by disagreeing with them, and just because I hurt some peasant’s feelings, I get fired. There is no justice in the world./parody only

[P-Marlowe]

That’s still covered under the First Amendment;

The first amendment does not prohibit individuals and businesses from firing their employees when they make assholes of themselves and post it on You Tube. The first amendment applies to government censorship and not corporate censorship.

[Chode]

betcha his in box is a full as his head is empty...

[exit82]

I called the University of Arizona and they cannot discuss whether he still has a job. The woman with whom I spoke agreed that the girl showed total class.

Good on you, Doug. I knew you were a class act--now I have another reason to tell you so.

[edged25]

too funny !!!

[crusadersoldier]

One thing is for sure ... that cup of free water was much more costly to him then it was to Chick-Fil-A.

[southern rock]

He looks like he might have had some ‘gay in him’ at some point.

The haircut, which is not really visable in the video, gives him away.

[mware]

Bet that FREE container of water is tasting mighty good about now.

[eddie willers]

According to my grandmother, Liberace was just flamboyant, not gay. Yeah, like I really bought that line. :=)

I did. I really did.

But that was a different time, for sure.

[mware]

Wow,look at the names of the folks on this thread.

Old home week.

[ontap]

Liberace was a first class act and a kind and decent person.As a Christian I am told to hate the sin and love the sinner...I try very hard to practice that. I like most freepers wish no ill will toward homosexuals but I will not allow them to demean and deface my faith and beliefs!!!This guy is a mean spirited and cruel person who got what he deserved by being this stupid!!

[Andy'smom]

“He looks like he might have had some ‘gay in him’ at some point.”

Sure does. Probably several of them.

[Eepsy]

My husband and I have 4 kids- he has nightmares about accidentally doing something stupid to lose his job and his support for them. The mind boggles at doing something stupid on purpose....