The Social Lead for Yuga Labs Resigns After Offensive Tweets Resurface
The Social Lead for Yuga Labs, the company behind the popular NFT collection Bored Ape Yacht Club, has resigned following the resurfacing of racist and antisemitic tweets he posted in the past. Shpend Salihu, known as NGBxShpend on Twitter, announced his resignation after his offensive tweets went viral. He expressed regret for his past comments and apologized to anyone he may have let down.
Yuga Labs confirmed that Salihu was an employee and that he had resigned from the company. However, they declined to comment further on the matter. The Bored Ape Yacht Club is a prominent NFT project that has generated nearly $3 billion in trading volume since its launch in 2021.
Controversies Surrounding Yuga Labs
Yuga Labs has faced previous accusations of embracing antisemitic and racist imagery in the creation of the Bored Ape Yacht Club. The company has vehemently denied these claims and emphasized the diverse heritage of its co-founders.
Artist Ryder Ripps, who levied such claims against Yuga Labs, was sued by the company over a copycat Bored Ape collection. Yuga Labs won the case, resulting in a $1.575 million settlement and the transfer of the smart contract to Yuga Labs.
Hot Take: Addressing Past Controversies
The resignation of Yuga Labs’ Social Lead highlights the ongoing need for individuals and companies to be mindful of their online presence. In today’s digital age, past actions and statements can resurface and have significant consequences.
This incident serves as a reminder that accountability is crucial, especially when representing a prominent brand or community. Companies must prioritize thorough background screenings and address any controversies promptly to maintain trust and integrity within their communities.