A shirtless massage in a business meeting? AirAsia exec did it. Then posted it on LinkedIn-InfoExpress
When is it OK to go topless at work?
That’s the question du jour after the CEO of a major international airline bared his chest to get a massage during a business meeting.
AirAsia CEO Tony Fernandes on Monday posted a photo of himself seated shirtless at an office conference room table during a conference call. A masseuse in a hair net and face mask stood behind him mid shoulder rub.
"Was a stressful week," Fernandes wrote on LinkedIn. "Got to love Indonesia and AirAsia culture that I can have a massage and do a management meeting."
Talk about a backlash. The revealing post sparked online debate. Dozens weighed in, with many questioning Fernandes’ professionalism.
“I don’t think the women in your company would feel comfortable or safe in this context, and given you’re the boss, they likely won’t challenge you or say anything,” read one critical comment.
Others said Fernandes was bold to disrobe on LinkedIn.
“I applaud this brave man for being an agent of change in the body positivity movement,” one person wrote.
AirAsia did not respond to a request for comment. Fernandes told Bloomberg that he was in pain after an 18-hour flight.
“You can never really explain the thought process behind a post, so I deleted it,” he told the news outlet. “I didn’t mean to offend anyone.”
Fernandes, who bought the popular budget airline in 2001, is credited with opening up air travel to millions who previously could not afford it.
