Papa John's Racist Voicemail, VIDEO: CEO John Schnatter Apologizes for Delivery Man's Rant to Customer
Papa John's CEO John Schnatter apologized Monday for a racist voicemail that one of his employees left for a customer in Sanford, Fla.
A delivery man employed by the pizza food chain "butt dialed" a customer after he had delivered an order on May 26. He left a voicemail that lasted about 4 minutes and complained about his tip to another employee. He used the N-word and other racial slurs to disparage the customer and the $5 tip he received.
"I guess that's the only requirement for being a [insert N-word] in Sanford," the employee said.
The unnamed employee continued his rant against those in the community and the customers he just served. His fellow co-worker could be heard laughing in response to the comments.
"Yeah, they give me five bucks there -- fine outstanding African-American gentleman of the community," the delivery man said.
The customer uploaded the audio video to YouTube and showed the receipt of his purchase. He said the couple tipped the standard fare as usual.
On Monday, Schnatter addressed the controversy on Facebook. He offered his "heartfelt" apologies to the customer and anyone else who was offended. The franchise owner made clear that the comments espoused by the employees did not reflect his views or that of his company.
"Friends, I am extremely concerned to learn about the reprehensible language used by two former employees in one of our restaurants," the Facebook post stated. "Their thinking and actions defy both my personal and the company's values, and everything for which this company stands."
Schnatter also said that the employees in question had been fired from the company. Users took to the official Facebook Papa John's page to thank Schnatter for his handling of the matter.
One post said that Schnatter was, "a CEO that actually takes responsibility for the actions of his employees. You can't control employees, but you can take appropriate action."
The city of Sanford is in the midst of racial tensions following the shooting death of Trayvon Martin in 2012. George Zimmerman is scheduled to go on trial for his murder in June.
