Tech CEO who abused Asian family steps down and enrolls in 'anti-racism' programme
A disgraced CEO caught on video hurling racist abuse at an Asian family has resigned and cut all business ties with his San Francisco-based tech company.
Michael Lofthouse said in a statement that he had stepped down from Solid8 in order to prevent causing harm to those closest to him.
He reiterated an apology, issued earlier this week, said that he would be getting sober again and has enrolled in an anti-racist programme.
“It is with regret that my initial statement and apology did not go far enough in addressing my behaviour in Carmel last weekend and the steps that I need to take. I can confirm that I have stepped down from Solid8, terminating all business relationships with immediate effect," Mr Lofthouse said.
"I will make it my duty to ensure my personal actions do not continue to have a detrimental impact on those people closest to me. I have once again begun my journey back to sobriety and have enrolled in an anti-racist programme with immediate effect,” he continued.
“My comments towards the families involved were racist, hurtful and deeply inappropriate. The reactions to what was said have been deserved and I wholeheartedly acknowledge that I am complicit in a system that enables this behaviour and these broken beliefs to exist but I am dedicated to changing."
Mr Lofthouse, who is British, was filmed last weekend telling an Asian family that “Trump is gonna f*** you,” and “Go back to whatever f***ing Asian country you’re from”, while they were dining at Lucia Restaurant & Bar in Carmel Valley, California.
A restaurant employee ordered Mr Lofthouse to leave and said that he was never allowed on the property again.
The incident was captured by Jordan Chan’s family while they were celebrating a relative’s birthday and later shared on Instagram.
In his initial statement, Mr Lofthouse apologised for his behaviour and called it “appalling”.
“My behaviour in the video is appalling,” the statement read. “This was clearly a moment where I lost control and made incredibly hurtful and divisive comments. I would like to deeply apologise to the Chan family. I can only imagine the stress and pain they feel.”
Ms Chan’s uncle Raymond Oroso told ABC7 that he didn’t accept that apology.
“He’s just saving face. I think he really meant what he said and what he did,” he said.
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