The man who was seen harassing an 18-year-old male wearing a dress to prom in a video that went viral on TikTok has been fired, according to new reports.

Dalton Stevens, 18, wore a stunning red gown to his senior prom with his boyfriend Jacob Geitmann to prove that “clothing is really genderless” and “it has no meaning”, before being harassed by a man who was later identified as VisuWell CEO Sam Johnson.

In the confronting video that takes place mid-argument, Stevens can be heard telling the CEO: “I chose what I want to wear, so you can fuck off.”

Johnson, not content in leaving the pair in peace, begins to follow the couple before dishing out more homophobic insults, including telling the young man that he “looks like an idiot”.

“I think I look good in it and that I really like the dress, and I want to show that clothing is genderless,” Stevens said he responded to Johnson’s intimidation. “And I explained that to him, and he continued to just call me names and just follow me.”

Speaking to Newsweek, however, Johnson hit back by insisting the allegations were “entirely false”, claiming that the confrontation “wasn’t anything personal or involving a dress,” but instead “about obnoxious, loud behavior by this group of teens.”

“We had just sat down for dinner at this restaurant that we frequent, and I was returning from the restroom when I was presented with their loud cursing,” he said.He added that he asked the group to “tone down the vulgarities around the families and children who were present.”

“I have no ill will towards anyone or their personal choices, so long as it does not harm me or my family.”

However, as the video spread across social media and Reddit, it quickly reached the telemedicine company where Johnson served as Chief Executive, who announced he had been removed from his position.

https://twitter.com/VisuWell/status/1386974326298189825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1386974326298189825%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Ftoofab.com%2F2021%2F04%2F27%2Fceo-filmed-harassing-boy-in-prom-dress-is-fired%2F

“We unequivocally condemn the behavior exhibited by Sam Johnson in a recent video widely circulated on social media,” it wrote in a statement on Twitter.

“After investigating the matter and speaking to individuals involved, the VisuWell Board of Directors has chosen to terminate Mr. Johnson from his position as CEO, effective immediately.”

“Visuwell’s culture emphasises respect, kindness, and compassion, especially for those from traditionally marginalized communities, and we maintain a zero-tolerance policy for intolerance of any kind. Mr. Johnson’s actions contradicted the high standards we set for ourselves in promoting the health of those who use our platform.”

“We share the concerns that so many have expressed on this matter and look forward to announcing concrete steps we are taking in support of the LGBTQ community in particular over the coming weeks.”

Dia Morgan, Stevens’ mother, said her son was left shaken up when she spoke him about the incident.

“And then to know that someone found it necessary to come up to him and to do that much hatred,” she said.

“It’s heartbreaking for a mother.”

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