Walking Naked, Discussing Erection: Bryan Johnson Accused of Bizarre Workplace Behavior

Bryan Johnson, the billionaire behind the “anti-aging” project Project Blueprint, has been accused of using non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) to silence workers at his startup. Johnson, who reportedly spends close to $2 million a day on his mission to reverse aging, allegedly had strange behavior in the workplace, including walking around naked or wearing minimal clothing and talking about sexual subjects, including erections, with workers.

Johnson’s unorthodox anti-aging regimen, described in the Netflix documentary Don’t Die: The Man Who Wants to Live Forever, has found him in the news because of his radical strategy. His demeanor in the office, such as casual conversations on sexual issues, reportedly made for a hostile workplace. The New York Times said that Johnson’s team, both his employees and his contractors, were forced to sign NDAs, some of which demanded staffers to agree to listening about sexual behaviors and his style of dressing.

A memo that was seen by the Times reported that workers were required to consent to the fact that Johnson’s conduct, some of which consisted of wearing very little or no clothing at all, was not “unwelcome, offensive, humiliating, hostile, triggering, unprofessional or abusive.” The contracts were 20 pages in length and were a requirement of working with Johnson, as well as engaging in his sexual and professional relationships.

Culture of Silence and Secrecy

Johnson’s NDAs were also said to cover personal relationships, including with his sex partners, where they too were required to agree to these conditions. This was said to have a chilling effect, particularly on his predominantly female team at Blueprint, many of whom said they were too afraid to speak out because of the limiting nature of the deals.

Jamie Contento, a former personal assistant to Johnson, wrote to HR raising issues with the office culture, while Taryn Southern, an ex-fiancée, sued Johnson for allegedly firing her from his other startup, Kernel, once they broke up. Johnson responded by countering his suit, with Southern being required to pay him more than $584,000.

Johnson’s Defense Against the Allegations

Bryan Johnson countered the New York Times article, which he called a “hit piece,” dismissing the allegations. He claimed that while what the report meant as a takedown was written, it more resembled a profile. He was annoyed with the publication’s description of his conduct and pushed back against the use of NDAs, calling them a reasonable and helpful practice to establish precise boundaries in his workplace.

On X, Johnson commented, “What was supposed to be a takedown ended up reading like a profile piece. They spent a year digging, interviewed 30 people, including former fired staff, pedestal’d my ex as their star witness (who attempted to get $9 million out of me and failed). And still returned empty. He also emphasized that no individual was coerced into signing the agreements, and individuals who were not compatible with the company’s culture could exit at will.

Johnson’s Distinctive Way of Life

Johnson’s lifestyle, which includes taking 54 daily pills, undergoing shock therapy, and receiving blood transfusions from his son, has led to public fascination. The New York Times article also detailed his past use of psychedelics and his unconventional approach to health, which has attracted both praise and criticism.

Even though his tactics are controversial, Johnson insists that his rigorous anti-aging diet and health screening have enabled him to reverse his biological age by 5.1 years. His continuous medical experimentation is part of his “Project Blueprint” that he states is aimed at combating aging on the genetic level.

Johnson still stands by his office habits, describing how he “posts nudes on social media, tracks [his] nighttime erections,” and promotes frank discussions of bodily functions among his staff. He characterized the NDAs as a way to avoid misunderstandings regarding his work environment, saying, “If someone doesn’t fit our culture, they are free to work elsewhere.”

The self-made billionaire assures the practice is “fair to all concerned” and “in everyone’s best interest,” casting light on those who opt to work in his unorthodox universe.