Adam Smith, Chick-Fil-A Drive-Through Bully, Hassles Fast Food Employee And Gets Fired (VIDEO)

Adam Smith, Chick-Fil-A Drive-Through Bully, Hassles Fast Food Employee And Gets Fired (VIDEO)

Posted: 08/02/2012 10:12 pm Updated: 08/03/2012 5:15 pm






There has been lots of drama recently about Chick-Fil-A, its president Dan Cathy, and the fast-food chain's documented financial backing of anti-gay Christian organizations.

First, The Jim Henson Company pulled their support. Then, Boston Mayor Tom Menino vowed to block the chicken sandwich maker from setting up shop in his city, and Chicago politicians made similar promises.

Despite these gestures, however, Chick-Fil-A seems to be unmoved, not backing down from its stance no matter the PR costs.

So when customers began showing up for an August 1st event that former Arkansas governor Mike Huckabee had earlier hailed as "Chick-Fil-A Appreciation Day," one man decided to take matters into his own hands and give the company a piece of his mind.

In a video posted to YouTube earlier today, a man named Adam Smith goes to the Chick-Fil-A drive-through, orders water and proceeds to bully the young female employee who serves him.

The video then went viral, and, according to a MarketWire statement, Smith was subsequently fired from his job as the CFO of Vante, Inc., a Tucson, Ariz., based medical device manufacturer.

A PR statement released by the company reads:

The actions of Mr. Smith do not reflect our corporate values in any manner. Vante is an equal opportunity company with a diverse workforce, which holds diverse opinions. We respect the right of our employees and all Americans to hold and express their personal opinions, however, we also expect our company officers to behave in a manner commensurate with their position and in a respectful fashion that conveys these values of civility with others.

WATCH the video above, or read a transcript of the encounter, below:

Smith: "You know why I'm getting my free water, right?"
Worker: "No."
S: "Because Chick-Fil-A is a hateful corporation."
W: "I disagree. We don't treat any of our customers differently.."
S: "I know, but the corporation gives money to hate groups. Hate groups. Just because people want to kiss another guy."
W: "I'm staying neutral on this subject... my personal beliefs don't belong in the workplace."
S: "Yeah I believe that too, I don't believe corporations should be giving money to hateful groups.. I'll take my water"
W: "I'm really uncomfortable that you're videotaping this.."
W: "It's my pleasure to serve you, always."
S: "Oh of course, I'm glad that I can take a little bit of money from Chick-Fil-A, and maybe less money to hate groups."
W: "Well we're always happy to serve all our guests."
S: "I don't know how you live with yourself and work here. I don't understand it. This is a horrible corporation with horrible values. You deserve better."
W: "I hope you have a really nice day, and.."
S: "I will, I just did something really good, I feel purposeful, thank you so much."
S: "Have a good day... I'm a nice guy by the way, and I'm totally heterosexual.. not a gay [unintelligible] in me, I just can't stand the hate, you know? It's gotta stop, guys. Stand up."

Alan Smithee wrote:No, he's an asshole. All bigots are assholes but not all assholes are bigots. If that had been S. Truett Cathy taking a shift at the drive-thru instead of one of his employees, it would have been fine.

Forgiveness Man wrote:He's a bigot. lol

Shale wrote:Sort of an irony that the douche picking on an employee who works for a despicable company but did an excellent job of fielding a hostile assault should work for a reputable company that values its public image enuf to publicly dump him.

Ppl should pick their battles, maybe do more strategic than tactical protest. Calling out the company leaders is all that is necessary. Harassing the workers who need the job and as I understand have relatively good working conditions is uncalled for.

However, there still may be a wrongful termination issue with the belligerant guy, since he did not indicate where he worked and was doing his thing on his own time. (Also, I'm not convinced he ain't gay)

Rainmaker wrote:I guess this guy brought it on himself recording and posting this video, but it seems a little crazy that he lost his job over this. He didn't identify himself as being employed with his company, so I don't see what his personal beliefs have to do with his job.

This incident really exposes the lack of privacy that we have now. "Don't dare post your opinion or we will fire you!" So my guess is the CEO is a "conservative 'christian'" and fired him for expressing his opinion. How is this not a violation of first amendment rights? If I were that CEO, I would be really worried about the HUGE lawsuit that is on its way.

Alan Smithee wrote:No, he's an asshole. All bigots are assholes but not all assholes are bigots. If that had been S. Truett Cathy taking a shift at the drive-thru instead of one of his employees, it would have been fine.

RedBedroom wrote:I call b.s. on this "apology" video. I think he did this video with the sole intent of being celebrated as a hero online. It didn't go down that way. I don't think he expected the negativity, such as his employer, alma mater and family to become targets. And it is pretty shitty if people are directing anger anywhere over this. It happened, move on. People making aggressive phone calls is no better than what he did. But I don't think he genuinely feels for the woman. He just knows it's the right thing to say to gain forgiveness.

Forgiveness Man wrote:I don't think this guy had good intentions. Mr. Smith's intentions were to be a jackass and nothing more. Nobody fighting against CFA has good intentions.

captainbryce wrote:On the contrary, nobody SUPPORTING CFA has good intentions.

Shale wrote: Here's a little lighter vid, actually a free commercial for Chick-Fil-A.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sO-msplukrw

They so kind, wonder if Dan Cathy appreciates it.

BTW, Dan Savage thinks Chick-Fil-A is an obvious synonym for pegging. As in "Her boyfriend is kinda homophobic; but he loves Chick-Fil-A."