Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s Controversial Joke About Remote Workers: A Closer Look

Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been in the news recently due to a controversial comment made by Mayor Jacob Frey during the Minneapolis Downtown Council Annual meeting on February 6, 2024. Frey’s comment, which was intended as a joke, has sparked a heated debate on social media and beyond. In this article, we will take a closer look at Frey’s comment, the context in which it was made, and the reactions it has elicited.

Mayor Jacob Frey’s Comment: “Losers”

During his speech at the Minneapolis Downtown Council Annual meeting, Frey made a comment about remote workers that has since caused a stir. He said, “If people stayed at home working for more than three months, they risk becoming ‘losers.'” Frey later clarified that the comment was a joke, but the damage had already been done.

Context: Business Luncheon and a Fictional Study

Frey made the comment during a business luncheon, and he insists that it was meant as a joke. He also claimed that the comment was based on a fictional study, which he described as “ridiculous.” However, the exact nature of this study has not been made clear, and it is unclear whether Frey was referencing an actual study or creating a hypothetical one on the spot.

Reactions: Social Media and Beyond

Despite Frey’s insistence that the comment was a joke, many people took it seriously and reacted negatively on social media. Some saw it as an insult to remote workers, while others saw it as an indication of Frey’s outdated views on work and productivity. The comment also came at a time when remote work has become increasingly common due to the COVID-19 pandemic, making it a particularly sensitive issue.

Responsibility and Downtown Minneapolis

Frey also used the opportunity to discuss his responsibility as mayor to bring more people to live, play, and work in downtown Minneapolis. He highlighted the growth in housing units and the influx of people attending theatre, concerts, and restaurants. However, the controversy over his comment about remote workers overshadowed this part of his speech.

Serious Matters: Israel-Hamas Conflict and Frey’s Veto

The controversy over Frey’s comment about remote workers came at a time when the Minneapolis City Council was in the news for overriding Frey’s veto of a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. Frey responded by passing his own proclamation calling for a cease-fire. The controversy over his comment about remote workers may have detracted from the serious issues that were being discussed at the meeting.

Reg Chapman and CBS News

The article was reported by Reg Chapman for CBS Minnesota, with contributions from Eric Henderson. Chapman has been with WCCO-TV since May 2009 and has covered a range of stories for the station, including the Coney Island plane crash, the crane collapse on the city’s east side, the shooting of Sean Bell by New York Police, and the lacrosse team assault at Fairfield High School in Connecticut.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s comment about remote workers being “losers” has sparked a heated debate on social media and beyond. While Frey insists that the comment was a joke, many people took it seriously and reacted negatively. The controversy came at a time when remote work has become increasingly common and when serious issues were being discussed at the Minneapolis Downtown Council Annual meeting. Frey’s comment may have detracted from the serious matters being discussed and overshadowed his message about bringing more people to live, play, and work in downtown Minneapolis.