It happens a lot on Soana Then a video that markets its upcoming Accelerate conference in New York came out.
The ad, which was broadcast on March 17, was quickly taken down because it made fun of gender identity problems, which led to widespread criticism.
Advertisement criticized for insensitivity
The video depicted a character called “America” that underwent therapy; The character said he had thoughts on “innovation.”
The therapist recommended that the subject concentrated on pronouns or the development of new genders rather than conducting technical innovation, such as crypto, during the session.
“America” replied by saying a desire to “invent techniques, not gender.”
The look of disappointment from some individuals. Image: Gemini Imagen.
Critics have noticed the advertising as “offensive” and “Ton deaf”, of which some call it disrespectful to transgender people and gender minorities.
Took them 9 hours to remove it.
Even all the big players in the Solana ecosystem suddenly remove their tweets that promote/support the ad and RT’d and liked it to be bad.
They approved this, supported it and celebrated it.
They rolled it back because it hurt … pic.twitter.com/kpmerdptcn
– Adam Cochran (adamscochran.eth) (@adamScochran) March 18, 2025
Corporate leaders expressed theirs criticism. Former Solana Foundation Director David McIntyre claimed that while Adam Cochran from Cinneamhain Ventures called the “fair absurd” advertising, the platform should have given positive messages the highest priority over culpable social issues.
Sean O’Connor, operations manager at Web3 Infrastructure Firm blocknative, did not drop words and unloaded an explicit message on X:
Hello @Solana – Really?
At a time when transgender people are denied passports and deleted by the government … Is it the ad you post?
This is so damn tone deaf https://t.co/p2hf5jib9c
– Sean O’Connor | Gas networks ⛽ (@aseoconnor) March 17, 2025
Controversy poses doubt about Solana’s values
The controversy has led to inquiries about Solana’s ability to follow their stated principles. Just weeks before, the Solana Foundation emphasized the importance of diversity and inclusion at a conference in Singapore.
SOL market cap currently at $63 billion. Chart: TradingView.com
Its code of conduct explicitly protected participants from harassment based on gender identity and expression. Currently discussing observers whether the advertisement represents a strategic transition or an isolated gaffe by the organization.
Soana has not yet issued an official statement that clarifies the cause of the video. Critics claim that the decision to eliminate it was reactive rather than indicating ethical reflection.
I deleted my first tag at the Solana ad today after some reflection.
For starters, I liked the ad because it hit a chord with me. I think a whole generation of people learned to focus on zero sum oppressors oppressed world view rather than positive sum techno …
– Tus has Jain (@tusharjain_) March 18, 2025
Industry leader withdraws his support
Subsequently, some initial supporters of the advertisement drew their recommendations. Originally, Tushar Jain, co -founder of Multicoin Capital, praised the video as “bold”. But he later deleted his position and admitted that it promoted some members of society.
This incident emphasizes the increasing tensions in the crypto industry in terms of political messages and cultural comments.
Image from Gemini Imagen, Chart from TradingView
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