Islamophobic Remarks :
The US investment firm Oyster Ventures, which venture entrepreneur Kenneth Ballenegger cofounded, has suspended him after he made derogatory comments about the Israel-Hamas conflict on X.
Ballenegger wrote on Sunday, as seen in screenshots provided to Business Insider: “After the war, Israel should handle Gaza like China handles Xinjiang.” total condition of surveillance. camp reeducation. disinfections. It is necessary and the sole means of appeasing the Islamist populace.”
Ballenegger went on, “They reproduce like rabbits and raise them to be terrorists, creating more poverty misery and terrorism,” in response to criticism from a former colleague. Why ought we to permit that? If they stopped reproducing, the planet would be in much better shape.”
Yashar Ali, a well-known US political writer, posted on X, calling it “absolutely disgusting genocidal rhetoric from someone who apparently works in the VC world.”
In an initial comment on X, Ballenegger’s cofounding partner at Oyster Ventures, Sophie Liao, distanced the company from his remarks. At first, Liao did not criticize Ballenegger or imply that he might be sacked.
“The political or personal beliefs of any employee do not represent Oyster Ventures’ or my own views. According to the statement, “Oyster Ventures does not tolerate any behavior that disrespects individuals or groups of individuals.”
More than 1,000 people responded to that post on X, with many pointing out that Ballenegger was not merely an employee of Oyster Ventures but also a managing partner and cofounder.
