Asian Family Targeted By Racist Former SF Tech CEO Says He Only Apologized to ‘Save Face’

Michael Lofthouse, the San Francisco tech CEO who resigned after being filmed yelling racist remarks towards an Asian American family in a Carmel Valley restaurant, only apologized to “save face,” says the family.

The details: In an interview with ABC7, Raymond Orosa said he doesn’t believe Lofthouse’s words in his apology while recounting the events that happened at Bernardus Lodge and Spa’s Lucia on July 4.

“He’s just saving face,” Orosa said. “I think he really meant what he said and what he did. I don’t believe his words because his actions speak louder than the words he’s saying.”
“I can’t say what he did was acceptable or right, it isn’t, because a lot of people will probably disagree with me for saying I forgive him… but I do,” he added.
“My behavior in the video is appalling. This was clearly a moment where I lost control and made incredibly hurtful and divisive comments,” Lofthouse said in his apology. “I would like to deeply apologize to the Chan family. I can only imagine the stress and pain they feel. I was taught to respect people of all races, and I will take the time to reflect on my actions and work to better understand the inequality that so many of those around me face every day.”
Orosa was out with his family to celebrate a birthday when they encountered Lofthouse. The incident was caught on video by Orosa’s niece, Jordan Chan.
“He was full of hate and anger,” Orosa said. “It’s sad that there are still people that are like that in this world, let alone in this country.”
A waitress, identified as Gennica Cochran, stepped in and kicked Lofthouse out of the restaurant for his xenophobic and racist comments.
Message screenshots of Lofthouse spewing the same anti-Asian hate, including one where he said “Asian f**k” and “Come near me or my people and you are f**king dead,” were also posted online after the video went viral.

The aftermath: Lofthouse has stepped down from his position as Solid8 CEO following the incident and after issuing an apology, according to Fox News.

“It is with regret that my initial statement and apology did not go far enough in addressing my behavior in Carmel last weekend and the steps that I need to take. I can confirm that I have stepped down from Solid8, terminating all business relationships with immediate effect,” Lofthouse said.
He also added that he is dedicated to change by staying sober and enrolling himself in an anti-racist program.
“I will make it my duty to ensure my personal actions do not continue to have a detrimental impact on those people closest to me,” he said. “I have once again begun my journey back to sobriety and have enrolled in an anti-racist program with immediate effect. My comments towards the families involved were racist, hurtful and deeply inappropriate. The reactions to what was said have been deserved and I wholeheartedly acknowledge that I am complicit in a system that enables this behavior and these broken beliefs to exist but I am dedicated to changing.”

Feature Image Screenshots via ABC7

Share this Article