A viral video of a Tennessee CEO led to his firing after he was recorded harassing a teen couple during their senior prom.
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The man was identified as Sam Johnson, CEO of telemedicine company Visuwell, who harassed Dalton Stevens,18, and his boyfriend Jacob Geitmann while they were taking photos at a hotel that was hosting their prom. Stevens said he wore the red gown to the milestone event to prove that clothing is genderless but Johnson interfered with that moment by spewing homophobic insults. Although Stevens told him, ‘I chose what I want to wear, you can f—k off’, Johnson continues to follow the couple and throw more insults.
According to Too Fab, there was one instance in the video when Johnson tries to smack the phone out of Geitmann’s phone and said, “You look disgusting, you look ridiculous, you look like an idiot, men shouldn’t be wearing it — all of this homophobic banter.”
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Johnson claims he approached the teens because they were being ‘loud’ at the hotel and added it had nothing to do with Stevens’ dress. Additionally, he says the video was edited to make him look bad. However, Visuwell caught wind of the video and confirmed he was fired from his position on Twitter.
“We unequivocally condemn the behavior exhibited by Sam Johnson in a recent video widely circulated on social media. After investigating the matter and speaking to individuals involved, the VisuWell Board of Directors has chosen to terminate Mr. Johnson from his position as CEO, effective immediately.. Visuwell’s culture emphasizes respect, kindness, and compassion, especially for those from traditionally marginalized communities, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for intolerance of any kind. Mr. Johnson’s actions contradicted the high standards we set for ourselves in promoting the health of those who use our platform.”