Quik Staffer Resigns Over Social Media Comments

Yesterday Stab reported that Quiksilver’s senior surf program manager, Chad Wells, had been digitally berated by Ninemsn and Cori Schumacher for some comments he’d made on social media. Following the poor reception Roxy’s Biarritz Pro teaser had received (sultry Steph Gilmore? No surfing? The indecency!), Chad took to Facebook in defence of his sis company, typing: “Some butchy lesbos were representing surfing (in the past). Not rigged out sexy women who are in touch with their sexuality and know exactly how they are represented and marketed. 1 well ridden wave at the end of this clip would’ve made the critics happy.”

This caused surfer Cori Schumacher enough indignation to tell Ninemsn that, among other things, “Chad Wells’ comment is not surprising, though his brash openness certainly is. This just cements how invasive and endemic this type of thought is in the surf industry.”

Stab has learned today that, because of his comments, Chad was asked (gently but firmly) to resign from Quiksilver.

In regards to the incident, Quik told Stab: “We have taken immediate action in response to an inappropriate and hurtful comment posted by a Quiksilver employee on his personal Facebook page. The language contained in the post goes against our company and brand values and beliefs and is inconsistent with our long-standing policy of inclusiveness and dedication to supporting all athletes and fans. We do not stand for intolerance, and this employee is no longer with the company.”

Free speech and gainful employment ain’t always so tight.