A major customer of DGL is demanding answers from the chemical company's board after CEO Simon Henry made several derogatory comments about Nadia Lim.
International water treatment and chemical distribution company Ixom said Henry's comments were unacceptable.
"Ixom is aware of the comments made by Mr Henry and shares the view of the DGL Board that they are inappropriate, unacceptable and offensive," the company said in a statement to Newshub.
"Ixom is communicating its serious concern about Mr Henry's conduct to the DGL Board and is seeking further information from the Board about DGL and Mr Henry's response."
It comes after Henry called the My Food Bag co-founder and well-respected businesswoman "Eurasian fluff" during an interview with NBR.
During the interview Henry hit out at Lim, suggesting her looks were to blame for the company's disappointing entry into the public market.
"I can tell you, and you can quote me," he said. "When you've got Nadia Lim, when you've got a little bit of Eurasian fluff in the middle of your prospectus with a blouse unbuttoned showing some cleavage, and that's what it takes to sell your scrip, then you know you're in trouble."
He went on to suggest she was using her "sensuality" to sell the meal delivery service.
The comments were widely condemned, including by Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, National deputy leader Nicola Willis and Human Rights Commissioner Meng Foon, as well as Lim herself. DGL was also blacklisted by KiwiSaver fund Kiwi Wealth as a result.
After days of radio silence from both Henry and DGL, the company's board released a statement late on Friday night.
In a statement released to NBR, DGL's board said it had conveyed its "deep disappointment" to Henry.
"The Board considers the comments made to be completely inappropriate, unacceptable and offensive.
"Mr Henry agrees and has expressed genuine regret for his comments. He has apologised to Ms Lim," the statement said.
"Understanding also that his comments are contrary to the culture of respect, diversity and inclusion encouraged and expected at DGL Group, Mr Henry has apologised to DGL's Board, staff and, by extension, to other stakeholders for any offence caused.
"The Board has made clear to Mr Henry the high standards expected of him as a CEO and that the comments he has made have no place in DGL, or in the wider community.
"The Board will be taking steps to ensure there is no repeat of this incident."
The company said the apology had been couriered to Lim, however as of Tuesday, she told Newshub she had yet to receive an apology in any form.
Newshub has contacted Henry for clarification.
