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The backlash and calls for a boycott of the brand were so extreme that the brand responded, with CEO Ying Liu posting a video addressing the situation on TikTok.
“I want to hop on here to sincerely apologize to Marissa for how herparental leavewas communicated and handled in the midst of her incredible journey of adopting and starting a family,” she began.
Liu went on to take accountability for the situation and explaining it was a breakdown in communication.
The response, which Liu later admitted was scripted, was slammed for being a canned and calculated response to a very human, emotional situation and didn’t rise to the wrongdoing that occurred.
In a second video, Liu tried speaking off the cuff as she addressed the situation once again. “It wasn’t sincere and I’ve decided to go off-script.”
“I was insensitive, selfish and was only focused on the fact that her job had always been done on-site and I didn’t see the possibilty of doing it remotely. However, having a little bit of sensitivity and understanding would have accommodated her, and I did not accommodate her.”
“I understand if you don’t want to come back to work anymore, but we will continue to pay you as if you were working remotely for us for those hours that you proposed until you’re ready to come back,” Liu said, adding, “And your position, your original position, is always open for you when you come back.”
Hughes has not publicly commented on the situation as it has unfolded. The couple’sGoFundMehas switched gears to focus on helping with expenses for Judah’s birth mother, as well as navigating expenses around his NICU stay, where the infant is expected to be until around March.
source: people.com
