Kyte Baby CEO Faces Backlash As Employee Fired Over Premature Birth Request

The CEO of Kyte Baby, Ying Liu, faced criticism after refusing an employee’s request for an extended work-from-home duration. The employee, Marissa Hughes from Dallas, sought additional time to care for her prematurely born son, Judah, who arrived at 22 weeks gestation and weighed barely over a pound. Marissa, in a TikTok video, detailed her request for maternity leave, which was allegedly denied by CEO Liu, citing that Marissa did not give birth to her son.

Kyte Baby’s policy only allowed two weeks of remote work and if the employee couldn’t return to the workplace by then, termination would follow. Marissa, unable to comply with this requirement, was subsequently fired. The incident gained attention, prompting CEO Liu to issue an apology through another TikTok video.

In her video apology, Liu expressed regret for how Marissa’s parental leave was handled during her journey of adoption and starting a family. She acknowledged the need for better communication and apologized to Marissa and the Kyte Baby community. Liu assured that the company would continue to pay Marissa until she was ready to return, and her original position would remain open for her.

Liu emphasised her effort to personally apologize to Marissa, aiming to rectify the situation. She also highlighted the company’s commitment to supporting Marissa during her adoption journey. According to Liu, Marissa’s role would be waiting for her upon her return.

Marissa’s path to parenthood was marked by three failed pregnancies, a near-death experience during surgery, and various complications. After unsuccessful attempts with IUIs and IVF, Marissa and her partner chose the adoption route, reflecting the challenges they faced in their pursuit of starting a family.

The incident sheds light on the importance of workplace policies and communication, particularly in situations involving personal and challenging circumstances. The CEO’s public apology seeks to address the negative fallout from the initial decision, emphasising the company’s commitment to supporting Marissa and acknowledging the unique challenges she faced on her journey to parenthood.