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The CEO of Web Summit, one of the tech sector’s biggest annual events, has resigned after he apologised for comments on the Israel-Hamas war. His comments prompted several big tech giants, including Google, Intel and Facebook parent company Meta to withdraw their plans from attending the conference.
Web Summit Chief Executive and founder Paddy Cosgrave resigned over the weekend.
“Unfortunately, my personal comments have become a distraction from the event, and our team, our sponsors, our startups and the people who attend,” Cosgrave said in a statement.
“I sincerely apologise again for any hurt I have caused,” he added.
New CEO coming soon
According to news agency Reuters, Web Summit will appoint a new CEO as soon as possible, a spokesperson for the company said. The statement from the event organisers confirmed that the Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon will go ahead as planned – from November 13 to November 16. The event is set to host some 2,300 startups and more than 70,000 people
What’s the issue and Cosgrave’s apology
The Irish entrepreneur, who is also the co-founder of the Web Summit, wrote on X recently that he was “shocked at the rhetoric and actions of so many Western leaders & governments.”
“War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are,” Cosgrave posted on October 13 – about five days after the Hamas terrorist organisation attacked Israel.
His comments drew criticism prompting Cosgrave to issue an apology.
“I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many. To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply. What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that,” he said.
Cosgrave said he “unreservedly” condemns Hamas’s “evil, disgusting and monstrous” attack on Israel and “unequivocally” supports Israel’s “right to exist and to defend itself.”
Google, Meta withdraw participation
This was followed by the boycott by Meta and Google and other tech companies, including Intel, Siemens. Last week, a spokesman for Meta said that the company will not take part in this year’s event.
Google also decided not to attend the summit. “We will no longer have a presence at Web Summit,” a Google spokesperson said.
Web Summit Chief Executive and founder Paddy Cosgrave resigned over the weekend.
“Unfortunately, my personal comments have become a distraction from the event, and our team, our sponsors, our startups and the people who attend,” Cosgrave said in a statement.
“I sincerely apologise again for any hurt I have caused,” he added.
New CEO coming soon
According to news agency Reuters, Web Summit will appoint a new CEO as soon as possible, a spokesperson for the company said. The statement from the event organisers confirmed that the Web Summit 2023 in Lisbon will go ahead as planned – from November 13 to November 16. The event is set to host some 2,300 startups and more than 70,000 people
What’s the issue and Cosgrave’s apology
The Irish entrepreneur, who is also the co-founder of the Web Summit, wrote on X recently that he was “shocked at the rhetoric and actions of so many Western leaders & governments.”
“War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are,” Cosgrave posted on October 13 – about five days after the Hamas terrorist organisation attacked Israel.
His comments drew criticism prompting Cosgrave to issue an apology.
“I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many. To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply. What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that,” he said.
Cosgrave said he “unreservedly” condemns Hamas’s “evil, disgusting and monstrous” attack on Israel and “unequivocally” supports Israel’s “right to exist and to defend itself.”
Google, Meta withdraw participation
This was followed by the boycott by Meta and Google and other tech companies, including Intel, Siemens. Last week, a spokesman for Meta said that the company will not take part in this year’s event.
Google also decided not to attend the summit. “We will no longer have a presence at Web Summit,” a Google spokesperson said.
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