A U.S. businessman was fired after he filmed himself telling a Chick-fil-A employee that she was working for a “hateful corporation,” adding another twist to an ongoing saga that has madethe restaurant chain a flashpoint in that country’s culture war.
Adam Smith, who was the CFO and treasurer of medical device manufacturer Vante, filmed the exchange Wednesday with an employee at the drive-through window of a Chick-fil-A in Tucson, Ariz.
After collecting a cup of free water from the employee, Smith tells her he ordered the free water “because Chick-fil-A is a hateful corporation” and it “gives money to hate groups.”
Smith was apparently referring to a recent statement made by Chick-fil-A CEO Dan Cathy in which he said his restaurant chain steadfastly supports the “biblical” definition of marriage, implying that it doesn't approve of same-sex marriage.
“I don't know how you live with yourself and work here,” Smith tells the employee in the video. “I don't understand it. This is a horrible corporation with horrible values. You deserve better.
“I’m a nice guy, by the way…totally heterosexual,” he continues. “Not a gay in me, I just can’t stand the hate.”
The employee remains composed throughout the exchange and wishes him a nice day.
The video, which Smith posted on the Internet, went viral and was eventually seen by his superiors at Vante. Smith was promptly fired.
“Vante regrets the unfortunate events that transpired yesterday in Tucson between our former CFO/Treasurer Adam Smith and an employee at Chick-fil-A. Effective immediately, Mr. Smith is no longer an employee of our company,” the company said in a statement released Thursday.
“The actions of Mr. Smith do not reflect our corporate values in any manner,” the statement continued. “We hope that the general population does not hold Mr. Smith's actions against Vante and its employees.”
Gay rights groups were incensed by Cathy’s comments, insisting the chain is more than just anti-gay marriage; it’s anti-gay.
GLAAD, the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation, says the company supports organizations that have been designated "hate groups" and those that encourage so-called "ex-gay" therapy.
On Wednesday, supporters of the chain countered by holding a “Chick-fil-A Appreciation Day," urged on by former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee and other U.S. conservative leaders.
On Friday, GLAAD planned a "National Same-Sex Kiss Day at Chick-fil-A,” encouraging same-sex couples to go to one of the chicken restaurant's locations and take a photo or video of themselves kissing.
"Let's show Chick-fil-A thanks for their support of Love, Equality, and the Real Definition of Marriage! Invite your friends!" GLAAD said on its Facebook page.
