Watch CBS News

Apple Culture Depicted As Sexist Boys' Club In Leaked Emails

CUPERTINO (KPIX 5) -- Apple is doing damage control after employee emails containing complaints that it has a sexist company culture were leaked.

The leaked emails describe a boys' club atmosphere inside Apple, one unwelcoming and unsupportive of women.

One female even claimed the workplace environment was a "very toxic atmosphere" in which inappropriate jokes about rape went unchallenged.

San Jose State University's School Of Management director Meg Virick said the allegations are deeply troubling. "Apple, as well as many other tech companies, has struggled to increase the percentage of women in the workforce," said Virick.

Currently, 32 percent of Apple employees are women.

An Apple spokesperson said the company can't discuss specific employee complaints, but did release a prepared statement saying, "Apple is committed to treating everyone with dignity and respect. When we receive complaints or hear that employees are concerned about their work environment, we take it very seriously and we investigate claims thoroughly."

Several of the women say they wrote Apple CEO Tim Cook directly about their concerns, but have yet to receive a response.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.