Two of Ryan Caldwell's former bosses condemned the “disgusting” and “abhorrent” rant that led to the Eagles fan's firing from his DEI management consulting company.
In a viral video from Lincoln Financial Field, Caldwell was heard calling a Packers fan an “ugly, dumb whore” as the Eagles cruised to victory in the wild-card round of the NFL playoffs.
He was soon unmasked on social media as an employee of BCT Partners, a DEI-focused management consulting firm in East Brunswick, New Jersey.
Caldwell was fired by the company earlier this week, even though he claimed he was provoked and that the viral video did not capture the incident in its full context.
Now, two of the company's founders have spoken out about Caldwell's words and their decision to fire him.
“I was shocked, disgusted, the behavior was totally unacceptable and in direct opposition to the values we stand for at our company BCT Partners,” said Dr. Randal Pinkett, who serves as president and CEO. he told TMZ.
Ryan Caldwell's ex-bosses condemn 'disgusting' speech that led to his firing
Dr. Randal Pinkett and Lawrence Hibbert of BCT Partners have spoken about the incident.
“I can't say enough about how abhorrent the behavior we observed was and how upset I was to see someone who, at the time, was associated with our company exhibiting that type of behavior.”
Pinkett added: “We believe Mr. Caldwell can learn and grow, but we believe our society can also learn and grow…we can condemn the behavior without condemning the individual.”
Hibbert, president of BCT Partners, revealed that after the video surfaced, the company was forced to “investigate” whether it was really Caldwell in the clip. They then began a disciplinary process that led to Caldwell's dismissal.
But the company has also faced backlash in the wake of the viral rant.
“This has been a really difficult time, for the last 24 to 48 hours because this year we celebrate our 25th anniversary of doing work that is important, that revolves around this area of diversity, equity and inclusion,” Hibbert said.
“When you receive posts on social media and in the national media that question your integrity and the way you work, it hurts.”
Pinkett added: 'Some of the comments that have been made about our company are as vile, if not more vile, than the comments made about Mr. Caldwell…that is the problem with the culture we have created and find ourselves in.
'There is no room for grace. There are only two extremes…we believe there is a middle ground where we can recover from mistakes, we can learn and we can grow.'
Caldwell broke his silence about the incident earlier this week and apologized for his “relentless words.” But he maintained that he did not say them without provocation.
Caldwell was seen in a viral video referring to the Packers fan as an 'ugly, dumb whore.'
The 45-year-old was filmed hurling shocking insults at Packers fan Ally Keller (right).
“While attending an NFL game last Sunday to support my beloved Philadelphia Eagles, an incident occurred that I deeply regret,” Caldwell told the New York Post.
“What started as a joke with two Packers fans sitting near me turned into something more serious and I said things that were unacceptable. In the heat of the moment, I chose unforgiving words to address one of the fans, Ms. Ally Keller.
“I want to sincerely apologize to Ms. Keller for those words, and to my wife, my family and friends, my former employer and my colleagues, Packer fans, Eagles fans, the Philadelphia Eagles, the city of Philadelphia and all those who were offended.
'That being said, there are two sides to every story. The video clip circulating online does not reflect the full context of what occurred, and my actions were not without provocation.
'I will live this experience and I am certainly paying a personal price. For those who don't know me, this incident does not reflect my values or the respect I have for others and is not indicative of the person I am.'