Some Peculiar Reactions to Tim Cook Revealing He's Gay

When Tim Cook came out as a gay man in his letter published by Businessweek, business leaders around the world stepped forward to offer their support and encouragement. And yes, due to the nature of discrimination and the closet, it was expected that there would also be public backlash regarding Cook's comments on his sexuality. However, the homophobic reactions have leapt into strange territory, especially as his detractors struggle to insult Apple's CEO. Take a look at these four awkward and strange reactions to Cook's coming out.

Russian memorial to Steve Jobs removed

Never mind that Tim Cook's coming out has absolutely nothing to do with the late co-founder of Apple Inc. There used to be a two-meter iPhone statue standing in St. Petersburg, with a display paying homage to Steve Jobs. Unfortunately, it has been removed from a college campus, as Russian politicians decry Cook's announcement. The tribute was removed by the Western European Financial Union, the very company that built it, which claimed that the monument was taken down because of it might violate Russia's controversial anti-gay laws banning "propaganda of nontraditional sexual relations among minors."

Related: Tim Cook Is Gay. But As Apple's CEO, That Isn't His Biggest Revelation.

Senator Ted Cruz still loves his iPhone

Texas Senator Ted Cruz is a staunch same-sex marriage opponent, and he has criticized his opponents for just marching within local gay pride parades to show their support. When Cruz was asked about his reaction regarding Mayor Tom Leppert's (R) appearance in the Dallas Pride Parade, Cruz commented, "What I am saying is that when a mayor of a city chooses twice to march in a parade celebrating gay pride, that’s a statement – and it’s not a statement I agree with."

However, when the senator was asked about Tim Cook's coming out, Cruz stated, "Those are his personal choices. I’ll tell you, I love my iPhone."

Homophobic jokes abound on Chinese social media

Once the news of Cook's coming out hit the wires about, gay jokes spread like a wildfire on Chinese social media platforms like Sina Weibo. Foreign Policy points out the different types of euphemisms being tossed around on Weibo. Most of it isn't pretty. They describe frequent social media references to bent mobile devices during the early iPhone 6 launch and the phrase "bent man," which is slang used to describe gay men.

Related: Leadership Lessons From Apple CEO Tim Cook

Politicians in Cook's childhood home seem uneasy

Tim Cook grew up in Robertsdale, Alabama, and it seems the news regarding Cook's coming out was not met with open ears back in his hometown, according to Reuters. Mayor Charles Murphy stated, "Tim has done a good job with Apple. We're very proud of the accomplishments that he's made .... Sometimes people's personal lives need to stay personal."

It's hard to imagine the type of controversy Cook was prepared for when he made the brave decision to come out of the closet in Businessweek. However, it would have been difficult to predict the four reactions described above. Luckily, many tech leaders and politicians seem to be taking the announcement in stride or raising their voices in open support for Cook.

Related: Tim Cook Is Wrong: You Really Can't Fire Someone For Being Gay