X

Aaron Sorkin 'apologizes' to Tim Cook

Technically Incorrect: After suggesting that the Apple CEO was opportunistic, especially in China, Sorkin appears to take back his words.

Chris Matyszczyk
2 min read

Technically Incorrect offers a slightly twisted take on the tech that's taken over our lives.


sorkin67.jpg
Sincere apology? E! Weekly screenshot by Chris Matyszczyk/CNET

The usual form of apology is something along the lines of: "I'm sorry."

A less successful form is the one that goes: "I'm sorry, but we were both wrong."

The latter is what appears to have been offered by screenwriter Aaron Sorkin to Apple CEO Tim Cook over the weekend.

At the end of last week, Sorkin had retorted to comments Cook had made. Cook had suggested that those who make movies about Steve Jobs were "opportunistic." Cook admitted he hadn't seen any of the movies.

Sorkin initially replied that nobody got rich making his new "Steve Jobs" movie and that Cook should actually see the movie before declaring an opinion. And he added this quip: "If you've got a factory full of children in China assembling phones for 17 cents an hour, you've got a lot of nerve calling someone else opportunistic."

Apple has insisted it's doing more than any other company to ensure fair and safe working conditions at its factories in China. This hasn't stopped some from suggesting that the conditions are still not good.

It seems, though, that Sorkin has had a change of heart. Perhaps encouraged by someone higher up in Hollywood, he's offered an apology.

He told E! Weekly: "Tim Cook and I probably both went a little too far. And I apologize to Tim Cook."

Sorkin's apology seemed a touch forced. Still, he added: "I hope when he sees the movie he enjoys it as much as I enjoy his products."

Apple wasn't immediately available for comment. However, that last line about enjoying Tim Cook's products seemed scripted by anyone but Aaron Sorkin.

Perhaps he's hoping for a rapprochement with Cook. Perhaps he's hoping that the Apple CEO will also say: "Yeah, I went too far. You're Aaron Sorkin, after all. I loved the way you mocked Zuckerberg. Made him look like a complete idiot."

Sorkin's movie, "Steve Jobs," opens on October 9.