There has been extensive discussion regarding Solana following the release of a promotional video for its forthcoming Accelerate conference in New York.
The advertisement, broadcasted on March 17, was swiftly removed due to its mockery of gender identity issues, leading to significant backlash.
Ad Condemned For Insensitivity
The clip featured a character referred to as “America” who was in therapy; the character expressed thoughts related to “innovation.”
The therapist suggested that the individual focus on pronouns or the emergence of new genders rather than exploring technological advancements, such as cryptocurrency, during the discussion.
“America” responded by expressing a desire to “create technologies, not genders.”
The expression of disappointment from some individuals. Image: Gemini Imagen.
Critics labeled the advertisement as “offensive” and “tone-deaf,” with some describing it as disrespectful to transgender and gender minorities.
It took them 9 hours to remove it.
Additionally, all the major players in the Solana ecosystem suddenly deleted their posts endorsing the ad and retweeted and liked comments regarding its negativity.
They approved this, backed it, and celebrated it.
They backtracked because it caused damage… pic.twitter.com/kPMERDpTcn
— Adam Cochran (adamscochran.eth) (@adamscochran) March 18, 2025
Company leaders expressed their disappointment. Former Solana Foundation director David McIntyre suggested that while Adam Cochran from Cinneamhain Ventures deemed the advertisement “rightfully absurd,” the platform should have prioritized positive messaging over ridiculing significant societal issues.
Sean O’Connor, chief operating officer at Web3 infrastructure firm Blocknative, did not hold back and conveyed a strong message on X:
hey @solana – for real?
in a period where trans individuals are being denied passports and erased by the government… this is the ad you released?
this is incredibly tone deaf https://t.co/p2hF5jIb9c
— sean o’connor | gas network ⛽ (@aseoconnor) March 17, 2025
Controversy Questions Solana’s Values
The debacle has raised queries concerning Solana’s commitment to its proclaimed values. Just weeks ago, the Solana Foundation highlighted the significance of diversity and inclusion at a gathering in Singapore.
Current SOL market cap at $63 billion. Chart: TradingView.com
Their code of conduct explicitly protected participants from harassment regarding gender identity and expression. Observers are currently debating whether the advertisement signifies a strategic shift or merely an isolated misjudgment by the organization.
So far, Solana has not provided an official statement explaining why the video was removed. Critics assert that the choice to withdraw it was reactive rather than a sign of ethical consideration.
I deleted my initial perspective on the Solana ad today after some contemplation.
I initially appreciated the ad because it resonated with me. I believe an entire generation was conditioned to prioritize zero-sum oppressor-oppressed narratives over constructive tech-focused views…
— Tushar Jain (@TusharJain_) March 18, 2025
Industry Figures Withdraw Their Backing
As a result, some early supporters of the advertisement rescinded their endorsements. Initially, Tushar Jain, co-founder of Multicoin Capital, praised the video as “daring.” However, he later retracted his post and admitted it alienated certain community members.
This event highlights the rising tensions in the crypto sector surrounding political statements and cultural critiques.
Featured image from Gemini Imagen, chart from TradingView
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