'Mischaracterizations' | Apple defends chief after HR complaints alleging bullying & harassment

Jay Blahnik, Apple’s Vice President for Fitness Technologies and a well-known figure in the industry, is at the center of a row after employees described a toxic workplace under his leadership.

Nine current and former staff said Blahnik could be verbally abusive, manipulative and inappropriate, behavior they linked to more than 10 workers taking extended medical or mental health leave since 2022. Blahnik oversees around 100 employees and is credited with creating the Apple Watch’s “Close Your Rings” feature.

Apple conducted an internal investigation into Blahnik’s conduct, settling one complaint and facing a lawsuit from employee Mandana Mofidi, who alleged bullying. The company concluded there was no evidence of wrongdoing and allowed Blahnik to remain in his role.

Complaints of retaliation and harassment

“At the end of the day, we don’t matter,” said Kayla Desautels, who worked as Social Media Coordinator before leaving after a mental health leave. “I had never worked anywhere more toxic.”