Apple is facing serious internal scrutiny after a report revealed allegations of toxic workplace culture and harassment within its fitness division, led by Jay Blahnik, the vice president of Fitness Technologies. Blahnik, a prominent figure in the fitness industry who joined Apple in 2013, is best known for creating the Apple Watch’s “Close Your Rings” feature and leading the launch of Apple Fitness+.
A report from The New York Times cites accounts from nine current and former employees who described Blahnik as verbally abusive, manipulative, and inappropriate. His alleged behavior has reportedly driven more than 10 percent of the roughly 100-person fitness division to take extended mental health or medical leave since 2022. Employees claimed Apple prioritized protecting a high-profile executive over addressing widespread staff concerns.
Allegations of misconduct and retaliation
According to the report, Blahnik made inappropriate comments in professional settings, including remarks about Olympic skier Ted Ligety and lewd comments about trainers filming workouts. He allegedly speculated about the family life of team members using vulgar language and directed uncomfortable attention toward subordinates.
Former creative director Wil Tidman reportedly received unsettling late-night texts from Blahnik in 2022, which led to a medical leave and eventually a settlement with Apple. Separately, Mandana Mofidi, a former Apple employee who joined in 2021, filed a lawsuit alleging that Blahnik bullied her after she cooperated in an internal investigation. She claimed she was targeted with negative reviews, intimidation, and retaliation, ultimately forcing her resignation. A trial is scheduled for 2027.
Other employees, including Chris Neil and Nathan Olivarez-Giles, also took mental health leaves after raising concerns about Blahnik’s conduct, suggesting a pattern of retaliation.
Apple’s response
Apple has denied the allegations. Company spokesman Lance Lin said Apple takes all concerns seriously and thoroughly investigates workplace issues, but he rejected the premise of the Times report, calling it inaccurate. The company has not publicly detailed any disciplinary measures against Blahnik.
In legal filings, Apple denied claims of harassment, discrimination, or retaliation. It argued that feedback provided to Mofidi and others was related to performance, not misconduct. Blahnik himself has not commented on the accusations.
Broader implications for Apple
The controversy highlights growing challenges for Apple as it pushes further into health and fitness technology, an area central to the Apple Watch and its services strategy. While Blahnik’s work, including Apple Fitness+, has been instrumental in expanding Apple’s presence in health and wellness, the accusations raise questions about how the company handles workplace culture issues, especially when high-profile executives are involved.
With a lawsuit headed to trial and multiple employee accounts pointing to dysfunction, Apple’s handling of the situation will likely remain under scrutiny in the coming years.
