Solana Foundation Deletes Controversial Ad After Crypto Community Backlash
The Solana Foundation has faced a significant backlash after removing a controversial advertisement from its official X account. The ad, designed to promote the Solana Accelerate conference, drew ire for its politically charged content regarding gender identity and pronouns. Posted on March 17, it quickly became a focal point for criticism within the crypto community.
The ad featured a character named “America,” who is seen engaging with a therapist regarding innovation and cryptocurrency. The therapist, however, distracts him, suggesting he should invent a new gender and focus on pronouns instead. The narrative unfolds as “America” proclaims his commitment to on-chain development and innovation, insisting on building new technologies rather than conceptualizing new genders.
Solana co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko, who has been at odds with other executives over various initiatives, publicly distanced himself from the advertisement. He remarked that a previous marketing effort, dubbed the “Maren ad,” resonated more positively with audiences. Although the original video has since been deleted, it remains accessible as numerous users have reposted it across platforms.
The backlash wasn’t limited to the community’s reactions; key figures within the crypto space raised concerns about the ad’s handling of sensitive topics. Adam Cochran, a partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, noted the alarming nine-hour delay before Solana removed the post, criticizing those within the organization who initially supported it. He stated, “They approved this, supported it and celebrated it,” implying the withdrawal was motivated by financial considerations rather than ethical concerns.
Others echoed similar sentiments. Sean O’Connor, the operating chief at Blocknative, condemned the initiative as “tone-deaf,” highlighting the recent political climate in the U.S. where significant anti-discrimination policies were rescinded. Meanwhile, Tyler Bench from Tally.xyz referred to the campaign as problematic, drawing comparisons to past Coinbase advertising efforts but with a more extreme twist.
Criticism intensified further, with Anneri van der Merwe of Base labeling the campaign as offensive and pandering, arguing it starkly contradicted Solana’s previous advocacy for inclusivity. Nicolas Pennie, co-founder of Helius, commented on the inefficacy of virtue signaling in marketing, regardless of the political underpinnings. Moreover, DoubleZero’s David McIntyre questioned the decision to ridicule social issues instead of adopting a more constructive approach.
There are speculations that the ad’s design was aimed at provoking controversy to capture attention. Reka, CEO of Avnu.Fi, insinuated that the marketing strategy prioritized shock value over genuine creativity. The incident highlights a recurring dilemma for tech companies venturing into societal discourse—the balancing act between brand messaging and community values.
