Apple’s leadership is undergoing a seismic shift. Tim Cook, who steered the tech giant for over a decade, will step down as CEO to become executive chairman of the board on September 1, 2026. Stepping into his shoes is John Ternus, Apple’s vice president of hardware engineering, who’s been with the company for 25 years. In a heartfelt memo to employees, Cook called it not a goodbye, but a “redirection.” As eyes turn to Ternus and reflect on Cook’s legacy, old stories resurface—including a bizarre 2020 stalking saga involving a woman named Julie Lee Choi.For those wondering about Cook’s personal life: He’s never been married. In 2014, he publicly came out as gay, becoming one of the first Fortune 500 CEOs to do so.That makes Choi’s claims all the more shocking. The 45-year-old from Virginia insisted she was Cook’s wife, mother of his twins, and even his “hubby.” Her year-long harassment turned Cook’s life upside down, blending obsession, threats, and trespassing.
The Harassment That Escalated Quickly
It started in 2020 with a flood of disturbing emails—over 200 in total. Choi sent suggestive emails, writing pleas like, “I can’t live like this anymore.”She claimed they were “destined for our lives” and bragged about their supposed twins. On Halloween, she tweeted publicly that she was Mrs. Tim Cook. Things darkened when she sent photos of a loaded pistol with ammo, warning, “My new gun will never return it at this time before I shoot!” She even admitted taking mental medication “because of him” and accused him of “criminal defense, murder.“Choi didn’t stop online. She drove cross-country to stalk him, trespassing twice on his Palo Alto property that year. Her fixation ignored Cook’s open statements about his sexuality, fixating instead on a delusional romance.
Apple’s Legal Response and Court Victory
Fed up, Apple sought protection.In 2022, a Santa Clara Superior Court granted a restraining order against Choi. During the hearing, she agreed to stay 200 yards away from Cook and have zero contact—no emails, social media, calls, or visits—for three years, until 2025. The order brought much-needed relief, shielding Cook from further chaos.This wasn’t Apple’s first rodeo. Court records show they once secured a similar order against Rakesh Sharma, who twice visited Cook’s home and issued threats. The harassment took a toll—Apple shelled out over $630,000 on Cook’s personal security in 2021 alone, per Associated Press reports.
Why This Story Matters Now
As John Ternus takes over as CEO, Cook’s time at the top ends on a high note: record sales, new ideas, and personal strength. Choi’s case shows the bad side of fame in the digital age, where obsession meets easy access through email and social media. It also shows why public figures like Cook spend so much on security and why courts act quickly on credible threats.Cook’s grace under pressure? A masterclass. While the restraining order expired last year, no new incidents have surfaced. For fans and followers, it’s a reminder: Behind the boardroom brilliance lies real human vulnerability.