Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave’s remarks on the Israel-Gaza conflict is not even one of his most offensive tweets, despite the backlash he has faced.
That’s according to Business Post Technology and Innovation Editor Charlie Taylor amid several major tech companies pulling out of the annual Web Summit conference.
Mr Cosgrave posted on X, formerly Twitter, that he was “shocked at the rhetoric and actions of so many Western leaders and governments” supporting Israel amid its conflict with Hamas.
“War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies and should be called out for what they are,” he said.
I’m shocked at the rhetoric and actions of so many Western leaders & governments, with the exception in particular of Ireland’s government, who for once are doing the right thing. War crimes are war crimes even when committed by allies, and should be called out for what they are.
— Paddy Cosgrave (@paddycosgrave) October 13, 2023
The post quickly received backlash, and companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon, Stripe and Intel have announced they will not be attending Web Summit.
Actors such as Gillian Anderson and comedian Amy Schumer have also announced they will not attend the tech conference.
Mr Day said the backlash Mr Cosgrave has received for his criticism of Israel is “ironic”.
“It was one of his least offensive tweets,” he told The Anton Savage Show.
“He's upset many people in Ireland - journalists, politicians, officials.
“But this was actually one of his least offensive tweets in a way and wasn’t dissimilar from comments made by Leo Varadkar and the president during the week.
“[They’re saying] Israel needs to be proportionate in its response to the attack by Hamas recently.”
Tweeting to a global audience
Mr Day said Mr Cosgrave typically doesn’t tweet about “global” issues, which may be why he is now receiving backlash.
“Paddy Cosgrave has got away with taunting Ireland or officials in Ireland,” he said.
“When he tried to kind of apply that at a global level, it kind of falls flat.
“You may recall a few years ago at Web Summit, he was on centre stage opening night, he sort of tried to do a whole thing on Leo Varadkar’s controversy about him having passed on confidential information.
“Everyone just passed him by.
“I wonder if he just forgot the fact that he was tweeting to a global audience rather than one that's local.”
Future of Web Summit
Mr Cosgrave apologised for his post and “the hurt he caused”, by Mr Day said the future of Web Summit is uncertain.
“The bottom line is they’re losing huge money in terms of sponsorship and in terms of some speakers,” he said.
“It's going to be very difficult to host the event.
“Web Summit is Paddy Cosgrave – the power rests with him, he’s the one who makes the call.”
Listen back here:
