T-Mobile CEO John Legere likes to pepper his public comments with profanities, most of which are part of his unconventional charm, but he found himself in hot water after making this reference to AT&T and Verizon last night at T-Mobile’s event in Seattle.
“These high and mighty duopolists that are raping you for every penny you have … the fuckers hate you.”
Legere issued an apology this afternoon on Twitter; in fact, he issued two apologies.
I know I have an Rated R vocabulary, but even I can go too far. Sincere apologies to anyone offended last night
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) June 19, 2014
The drawback to having no filter when I speak… sometimes I need a filter. Genuinely apologize to those offended last night
— John Legere (@JohnLegere) June 19, 2014
Although he hasn’t used that particular metaphor before, Legere regularly criticizes AT&T and Verizon and is unlikely to back down from his efforts to highlight what he considers their unfair treatment of wireless customers.
The backdrop for all of this is the rumored merger talks between T-Mobile and Sprint. In a separate interview with GeekWire last night, after the event, Legere laid out his case for further consolidation in the industry, without referencing the potential Sprint deal.
