Apple CEO Tim Cook denounces Charlottesville violence, disagrees with Trump's remarks

As Silicon Valley continues its crackdown against white nationalists in the aftermath of the Charlottesville violence, Apple CEO Tim Cook has denounced the flare-up and disagreed with US President Donald Trump's remarks on the incident.

In an email, obtained by Recode, to global Apple employees, Cook stressed the importance of "equality, human decency, and morality". He noted: "We must not permit bigotry and hate in our country and must be unequivocal about it."

"What occurred in Charlottesville has no place in our country," Cook wrote. "Hate is a cancer, and left unchecked it destroys everything in its path. Its scars last generations. History has taught us this time and time again, both in the United States and countries around the world."

Taking on Trump, who blamed the violence on the "alt-left" and not just the White supremacists, Cook wrote: "This is not about the left or the right, conservative or liberal. It is about human decency and morality. I disagree with the president and others who believe that there is a moral equivalence between white supremacists and Nazis, and those who oppose them by standing up for human rights. Equating the two runs counter to our ideals as Americans".

Unlike Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella who spoke about the "past week's events" (Google anti-diversity controversy and Charlottesville) and stressed on creating a culture where "every person" could do best work, Cook did not refer to the fallout surrounding Google, but underscored the key issue of equality with the same force.

"Regardless of your political views, we must all stand together on this one point — that we are all equal," Cook noted. "As a company, through our actions, our products, and our voice, we will always work to ensure that everyone is treated equally and with respect."

He cited the example of equality at Apple stating that the company has welcomed people from all walks of life to its stores around the globe. "We empower people to share their views and express themselves through our products."

Cook announced $1m each as financial support for Southern Poverty Law Center and Anti-Defamation League - the groups working to fight white supremacism. He added the company will match donations from its employees for similar causes on a two for one basis. Plus, Apple iTunes users will also get an option to contribute and support the work of Southern Poverty Law Center.

Apple joins a bunch of Silicon Valley giants in condemning the Charlottesville violence. Cook also condemned the incident on Twitter while Apple Pay has ceased accepting payments on sites promoting Nazi propaganda and selling white supremacist gear.