That's what Donald Trump said to a female reporter over the weekend aboard Air Force One in response to a question she asked him about the Epstein Files.
We should all agree that Trump's response was inappropriate, disgusting, and deplorable.
Now, let's take this story off of Air Force One and into your workplace. When an employee is confirmed to have said something like "Quiet, Piggy" to a coworker, management's path is straightforward and non-negotiable.
First: act immediately.
Check in with the targeted employee, ensure they feel safe, and make clear that retaliation will not be tolerated. Interim steps—like separating the parties—may be appropriate depending on the environment.
Next: investigate the context and impact.
Even with the facts confirmed, the employer still needs to understand the circumstances: where it happened, who witnessed it, whether there's a pattern, and how it affected the workplace. Document thoroughly.
Then: take corrective action.
A confirmed comment this demeaning violates any credible workplace conduct policy. The response must be proportionate but meaningful: coaching, discipline, suspension, termination—whatever aligns with the seriousness of the offense, the employee's track record, and the company's past practice.
Finally: The speaker's title is irrelevant.
Whether it's a line employee, a manager, or the CEO, the expectations are the same: dignity, respect, and professionalism.
In fact, the risk is greater when the offender is a CEO or leader. Culture flows downward. When the person at the top models bullying, everyone sees it. It erodes trust, encourages similar behavior, and sends the message that the rules apply only to the rank and file. Boards, owners, and leadership teams have an obligation to respond even more decisively when the misconduct comes from the top.
Here's my bottom line, and it should be yours, too. Confirmed disrespectful conduct requires action—swift, consistent, and aligned with policy. Position doesn't excuse it. If anything, the higher the role, the higher the responsibility to set the tone.