The polished facade of a successful biotech entrepreneur has been shattered by a three-minute viral video, exposing a venomous outburst that has ignited a firestorm of criticism across social media and the business world.
Bryan Johnson, the Russian-born Chief Executive of San Francisco-based biochemical firm Berkeley Yeast, was filmed launching into an expletive-laden, racially charged tirade against his Uber driver. The incident, which occurred in the city's South of Market district, has been viewed millions of times, leading to widespread calls for accountability.
A Tirade Captured on Camera
The now-infamous footage shows Johnson, who also goes by the name Bryan Kobel, in a state of uncontrollable rage. He repeatedly screams at the driver to 'shut the f**k up' and unleashes a barrage of threats, including 'I will f**king end you.' The driver remains remarkably calm throughout the confrontation, which began over a disputed pickup location.
Most shocking were the immigrant CEO's hypocritical remarks. 'You immigrants come here and think you can do whatever you want,' Johnson yells, despite having emigrated from Russia himself in the 1990s. His comments have been labelled as profoundly ironic and bigoted.
Corporate Backlash and Public Outcry
The fallout was swift and severe. Johnson's company, Berkeley Yeast, moved quickly to distance itself from its leader's actions. The firm issued a statement condemning the behaviour as 'deeply offensive and contrary to our company's values.'
Online, the reaction was one of unified disgust. Commentators and members of the public expressed outrage at the entitlement and hypocrisy displayed by the CEO. Many noted the stark contrast between his immigrant status and his vitriolic attack on another immigrant simply trying to do his job.
The Aftermath and Unanswered Questions
While the video has concluded, the saga is far from over. Key questions remain unanswered. Will Johnson face formal consequences from his company's board? Has Uber taken action to ban him from its platform in support of its driver?
The incident serves as a stark reminder that title and wealth are no substitutes for basic human decency. It highlights the ugly undercurrent of entitlement that can exist even among those who have ostensibly achieved the American Dream, and the powerful role smartphone cameras play in holding the powerful to account.
