Tony Fernandes defends Thai AirAsia CEO over sexism allegations

AirAsia Group chief executive Tony Fernandes defended Tassapon Bijleveld after the CEO of the airline’s Thailand operations was accused of sexism for using profane language and interrupting a female colleague during a video meeting.

Bijleveld’s behavior was “appalling,” according to Fernandes, but the Thai executive is “a great leader who slipped up.”

Tony Fernandes, AirAsia Group’s chief executive / Photo credit: World Travel & Tourism Council

Fernandes explained that several reasons may have triggered such conduct on Bijleveld’s part, including work pressure. The group CEO also claimed that the edited video didn’t show how he was repeatedly interrupted by Bijleveld as well, creating the impression that the Thai chief was only impolite toward women. Fernandes added that the viral video didn’t show his attempts to calm Bijleveld down.

However, Fernandes also said that he had spoken to Bijleveld after the incident to let him know that his conduct was unacceptable. AirAsia’s board of directors currently is addressing the incident and will listen to both sides before deciding on what action to take, Fernandes added.

Earlier this week, videos allegedly from AirAsia’s townhall were circulated on social media and showed Bijlevald interrupting a female employee while she was speaking. In the video, Bijlevald is heard saying to the employee: “What’s your fucking question, come on.” He then goes on to interject again when the employee tries to explain herself. In the clip, Bijlevald also tells her to “shut up” when she starts speaking in Thai.

Fernandes, along with AirAsia Digital president Aireen Omar, and head of ecommerce Lim Ben-Jie appeared to smile during the incident.