Apple Fitness VP Jay Blahnik Accused of Creating Toxic Workplace

Apple is once again facing controversy, this time centered around Jay Blahnik, its Vice President of Fitness Technologies. A recent New York Times investigation revealed claims from current and former employees that Blahnik fostered a toxic workplace, with allegations of verbal abuse, manipulation, and intimidation. According to the report, more than 10 percent of his 100-person team have taken extended medical or mental health leave since 2022 – a figure that underscores the seriousness of the accusations.

One former staffer said bluntly: “I’ve never worked anywhere more toxic.” Others described Blahnik’s management as not just tough but corrosive, leaving morale at rock bottom.

These claims are not isolated, either – Apple previously settled at least one harassment-related complaint linked to Blahnik. Another lawsuit, filed by ex-employee Mandana Mofidi, accuses him of bullying and retaliation and is scheduled for trial in 2027.

Despite these concerns, Apple has stood firmly behind its executive. In a statement, spokesperson Lance Lin rejected the allegations as “inaccurate claims and mischaracterizations.” However, the company did not specify which details were wrong, prompting speculation that Apple is more concerned with protecting its leadership’s image than addressing employee grievances. The company also insisted its internal review found “no evidence of wrongdoing.”

For now, Blahnik himself remains silent, continuing in his role as the face of Apple Fitness. His silence – and Apple’s defensive stance – highlight a growing tension between the tech giant’s polished public image and the lived experience of those inside its offices. The case is still unfolding, and questions remain: will external investigators step in, and what happens when a company’s need to protect its brand collides with the realities of workplace culture?