Solana, a popular blockchain network, recently faced backlash for a controversial advertisement posted on its X account. The ad, which was promoting the upcoming Solana Accelerate conference, depicted a man in a therapy session discussing his thoughts on innovation and crypto. However, the therapist responds by suggesting he focus on pronouns and coming up with a new gender, leading the man to launch into a monologue about wanting to focus on technology rather than gender.

The ad received over 1.2 million views and sparked a heated debate on social media. Many criticized it for making light of a highly divisive political issue and for being tone deaf on gender identity. Some even called for a boycott of the conference.

After facing immense backlash, the Solana team decided to delete the ad. However, the move was met with skepticism, with some speculating that it was done to protect the company’s image rather than out of genuine concern.

The controversy surrounding the ad highlights the ongoing cultural and political divide in the crypto community. While some praised the ad for its boldness and risk-taking, others saw it as a missed opportunity to address deeper cultural issues.

In the end, even those who initially supported the ad retracted their statements and apologized for their initial reactions. The incident serves as a reminder that in today’s society, companies must be careful with their messaging and avoid alienating any portion of their audience.

Solana has not yet commented on the reason for deleting the ad, but it serves as a lesson for companies to be mindful of the impact of their marketing and messaging, especially in a highly polarized world. As the crypto industry continues to grow and gain mainstream attention, it is crucial for companies to be aware of the potential consequences of their actions and to strive for inclusivity and sensitivity in their messaging.