“The Ad Was Bad” — Yakovenko Reacts to Solana’s Marketing Controversy

Social media was set ablaze by a promotional video for the Solana Accelerate conference titled “America Is Back — Time to Accelerate.” The 2.5-minute clip aimed to intertwine themes of national pride, technological advancement, and the ongoing political dialogue surrounding gender identity—an approach that quickly polarized audiences.

Despite gaining 1.2 million views and generating over 1,300 comments, the video was pulled just nine hours after release following a wave of public criticism.

Though the Solana team has not made an official statement, co-founder Anatoly Yakovenko decided to weigh in on the matter. He bluntly called the ad “bad” and stressed that it had inflicted harm on communities that already face discrimination.

Yakovenko also extended his gratitude to developers, artists, and other ecosystem contributors who spoke out against the campaign. He reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring that Solana Foundation remains dedicated to technology and security, rather than getting entangled in divisive political and cultural debates. 

How the SOL Community Responded

Yakovenko’s response was met with strong support from the Solana community, which welcomed his commitment to honesty and open communication. Solana’s official account, however, refrained from making its own statement, instead opting to share Yakovenko’s post without further comment.

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The discussion in the comments was lively. OG protocol developer Viktor Bunin pointed out that an apology wasn’t strictly needed but appreciated that the company acknowledged its error and moved forward. Other users echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Solana should stay focused on building rather than dwelling on past controversies.

Well said. Focus on what matters. Solana in the hands of EVERY person on earth. Solana is for EVERYONE,

remarked developer and community member Curb, referencing Solana’s official statement.

Experts in marketing have long pointed out the inherent risks of incorporating political themes and identity-based messaging into branding efforts. These strategies can have unintended consequences, potentially damaging both a company’s reputation and its financial standing, particularly when they touch on complex and highly sensitive social issues.

Read on: Anatoly Yakovenko: The Visionary Behind Solana’s Rise

Solana’s experience serves as a case study in the delicate balance between staying culturally relevant and maintaining social responsibility. In the end, authentic communication and a willingness to learn from missteps are key factors in rebuilding credibility and driving long-term success.