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International Business Times
International Business Times
Business
Marvie Basilan

Solana CEO 'Ashamed' Over Controversial Ad That Punched 'Down On A Marginalized Group'

Solana SOL Anatoly Yakovenko Adam Cochran Crypto Accelerate blockchain Brian Armstrong Coinbase
Solana's CEO has broken his silence following backlash over an Accelerate ad released and subsequently deleted earlier this week. (Credit: Solana Twitter Video/Screenshot)

KEY POINTS

  • The ad featured gender identity -- a touchy topic for many people, especially in crypto, where freedom was supposed to be king
  • Analyst Adam Cochran was among the crypto figures who called out Solana for suggesting that gender "gets in the way of innovation"
  • Yakovenko said he was "ashamed" of initially downplaying the ad that he said was hitting a "marginalized group" hard
  • Brian Armstrong and other crypto leaders have expressed support for the Solana CEO after he promised to do better

The team behind the Solana blockchain was under fire in recent days following the release of an ad for its Accelerate conference.

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