11 May, 2017

Qantas CEO cops pie in the face, prepares to sue

Qantas CEO Alan Joyce had a pie thrown into his face, as he was addressing a crowd of about 500 people at a Hyatt business breakfast.

The pie attacker, known as Tony Overheu, stepped onto the stage three minutes into Joyce’s speech and whacked the lemon meringue into his face.

Overheu spoke to 6PR Breakfast Show about his motives, at first unclear but since revealed to be his opposition to same-sex marriage and companies like Qantas who openly support it, claiming it’s not accepting of Australian democracy.

In March, Joyce was one of 20 high-profile chief executives, including the heads of Westpac and Commonwealth Bank, who urged Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to legislate same-sex marriage. Joyce has also famously directed Qantas to publicly support certain progressive causes, including marriage equality.

“Middle Australia completely rejects corporate bullying aimed at social engineering,” Overheu said.

“Qantas is insulting many staff and passengers with their boarding pass propaganda.

“What Airbnb is doing in Canberra airport is highly offensive. Outfits like Wesfarmers and Holden lose huge credibility supporting such campaigns.

“The blatant bullying and extortion of Coopers Brewery was totally reprehensible. CEO’s need to respect Australia is a democracy where backdoor attempts to subvert the clear wishes of the overwhelming majority will cost companies bottom lines.

“Alan Joyce is paid $13 million to run airlines not bulldoze Australia socially against its will.”

As a result, Joyce is going to sue Overheu in order to send a message that this type of behaiviour is not OK – and to make it loud and clear that Qantas’ support of marriage equality isn’t going anywhere.

In a statement at Parliament House, per the ABC, Joyce said, “The police are continuing their investigation and my intention is to send a message that this type of behaviour isn’t acceptable and that I will have every intention of pressing charges.

“I have every intention to continue to be vocal on those social and community issues.

“It’s important for our shareholders, our employees, and our customers. It’s called good corporate social responsibility.

“I’m a big believer in the great Australian expression a fair government it’s all about giving people equality.

“Qantas has always spoken up on gender issues, on LGBTI issues, on Indigenous issues and we will continue to do so and no attempt at bullying us into suppressing our voice will work.”

Joyce added, per the ABC, that Overheu showed no remorse, despite sending an apology email.

“I believe he sent me an email … and I believe there has been an apology coming in but I’m not sure there’s any regret at the issue that has occurred.”

As for the pie itself, Overheu added, “Lemon meringue appeared to be the softest and least likely to do any injury,” he began. “I bought the cake the previous evening, popped it in my work ute that I own at 6 o’ clock yesterday morning.

“Drove from Willetton, parked in the bottom street below the Hyatt, had the cake wrapped up like a birthday present just to make it compact, walked in the front door… waited for a couple of hours until everyone had come in.”

Joyce managed to get through about three minutes before he got a cream pie hurled into his gob, with the elderly attacker making a beeline for the doors immediately after.

Image: YouTube

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