Daniel Walker
Solana has taken down a promotional video for its upcoming conference in New York this May after facing criticism on social media.
The ad, which was initially shared on Monday, was removed within hours due to a wave of negative reactions. However, despite the deletion, the video continues to circulate on X (formerly Twitter).
The video was criticized for insensitive messaging, with many arguing it contained anti-queer undertones.
The ad featured a character named “America” undergoing therapy for “rational thinking syndrome.” In the session, the therapist encourages the character to โcome up with a new genderโ or โfocus on pronouns.โ
In response, the character declares:
โI will lead the world in permissionless tech, build onchain, and reclaim my place as the beacon of innovation. I want to invent technologies, not genders.โ
Many viewers interpreted the ad as mocking gender identity issues, leading to significant pushback from the crypto community.
Industry Figures Condemn the Ad
Several prominent voices in the crypto space expressed disapproval of the ad.
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Adam Cochran, General Partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, criticized the video, stating:
โImagine thinking this is a good commercial. The โmind virusโ thatโs infected the nation is whatever weird echo chamber exists in Silicon Valley where people think this is cool or edgy.โ
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David McIntyre, COO of DoubleZero and a former Solana Foundation director, called the video “horrendous.”
โIf you want to celebrate America, why not keep the message positive instead of mocking people and trivializing serious cultural issues?โ
Solanaโs Commitment to Inclusion Under Scrutiny
The controversy has led some to question whether the ad aligns with Solana Foundationโs code of conduct, which explicitly states its commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and respect.
Despite removing the video, Solana has yet to issue an official statement addressing the backlash or clarifying how it will approach future marketing strategies.
