Jay Blahnik, Apple’s Vice President of Fitness Technologies and a celebrated figure in the fitness world, is at the center of mounting controversy as allegations of workplace harassment and a toxic environment within his team have come to light. Despite the seriousness of the accusations, Apple has thus far stood by Blahnik, with an internal investigation reportedly finding no evidence of wrongdoing. Yet, the story is far from straightforward, and the fallout continues to ripple through one of the tech giant’s most visible divisions.
According to reports from The Economic Times and AINVEST, at least nine current and former Apple employees have accused Blahnik of fostering a workplace marked by verbal abuse, manipulation, and inappropriate behavior. These claims are not isolated; over ten employees from Blahnik’s team have reportedly taken extended mental health or medical leaves since 2022, citing the alleged hostile environment as a key reason. The allegations paint a picture of a workplace where stress and discomfort were not uncommon for those under Blahnik’s leadership.
One particularly troubling incident occurred during a 2021 meeting about a project with Olympic skier Ted Ligety. Blahnik allegedly joked about sleeping with the athlete and implied that a team member had secured participation through a neck massage. On other occasions, he is said to have made sexual remarks about trainers’ bodies and suggested a colleague’s wife was unfaithful, even using a vulgar term. Multiple former staffers claim that Blahnik frequently targeted Apple Fitness+ creative director Wil Tidman with inappropriate jokes and comments.
The consequences for Tidman were significant. After receiving a late-night text from Blahnik in 2022 that he found unsettling, Tidman took medical leave. The situation was ultimately resolved through a settlement with Apple following mediation, according to The Economic Times.
Another former employee, Mandana Mofidi, who joined Apple in 2021, has become one of the most vocal accusers. Mofidi alleges that Blahnik retaliated against her after she raised concerns about unequal pay and was compelled to participate in a human resources investigation into his behavior. She describes a heated meeting in which Blahnik yelled at her, after which his allies began documenting her “poor performance” in what she claims was an effort to build a case for her termination. By 2023, Mofidi was given the choice between a buyout or a performance improvement plan. Feeling isolated and under pressure, she went on medical leave and eventually resigned. Her lawsuit against Apple and Blahnik, which alleges bullying and retaliation, is set for trial in 2027.
Apple, for its part, has firmly rejected the allegations. Spokesperson Lance Lin stated that the company “disagrees with the report’s premise,” emphasizing what Apple describes as “multiple inaccuracies and mischaracterizations.” Lin also reiterated Apple’s commitment to a positive and inclusive workplace, stating that the company takes such concerns seriously. Apple’s internal investigation, which reportedly involved speaking with numerous employees, found no evidence of wrongdoing by Blahnik or confirmation of the alleged retaliation.
Apple has also dismissed the claims in Mofidi’s lawsuit, asserting that she received constructive feedback and coaching to address performance issues. The company maintains that its investigative process was thorough and fair, and that no actionable evidence was found to substantiate the claims against Blahnik. Despite the controversy, Blahnik remains in his executive position, continuing to oversee Apple’s fitness initiatives.
The allegations have not only sparked internal turmoil but have also raised broader questions about workplace culture at one of the world’s most influential technology companies. The fact that over ten employees from Blahnik’s team have taken extended leaves for mental health or medical reasons since 2022 is, for many observers, a sign that the issues may run deeper than one individual’s behavior. Yet, Apple’s leadership has stood by its internal review, leaving some employees and outside critics questioning whether enough has been done to address the underlying problems.
Blahnik’s influence at Apple is undeniable. After joining the company in 2013 following nearly two decades at Nike and authoring a book on fitness, he spearheaded the development of the Apple Watch’s “Close Your Rings” activity feature. This innovation has become a cornerstone of Apple’s health and fitness ecosystem, encouraging millions of users to stay active by completing daily movement goals. In 2020, Blahnik led the launch of Apple Fitness+, a subscription service offering guided workout videos and motivational audio programs for $9.99 per month. The service has been widely praised and has helped solidify Apple’s presence in the booming digital fitness market.
Despite the accolades and the critical role Blahnik has played in Apple’s success, the allegations have cast a shadow over his legacy. The accusations of inappropriate jokes, verbal abuse, and retaliation have prompted a broader conversation about accountability at the highest levels of corporate leadership. For some, the fact that Blahnik remains in his role after such serious claims—and after Apple has already settled one harassment complaint against him—raises concerns about the company’s willingness to hold powerful executives to account.
The controversy has also put a spotlight on the experiences of employees who feel marginalized or mistreated in high-pressure corporate environments. Mofidi’s account, in particular, has resonated with many who have faced similar challenges in the workplace. Her lawsuit, which will not go to trial until 2027, is likely to keep the issue in the public eye for years to come.
For now, Apple continues to stand by Blahnik, citing the results of its internal investigation and its stated commitment to a healthy work environment. Whether the company’s approach will satisfy critics—or whether further revelations will emerge as the legal process unfolds—remains to be seen.
The situation surrounding Jay Blahnik is a stark reminder that even the most innovative and successful companies are not immune from the challenges of workplace culture and accountability. As the story continues to develop, it will serve as a test of Apple’s values and the effectiveness of its internal processes for addressing employee concerns.
