The creator of Ethereum layer 2 blockchain Base, Jesse Pollak, has apologized following backlash over posting digital artwork that controversially played on Base’s tagline, “Base is for everyone.”Several social media users found the artwork offensive and inappropriate.“It was a single phrase among many, but I’ll own this was a mistake and apologize,” Pollak said in an April 18 X post referring to his decision to reshare a GIF image that featured the phrase “Base is for...” followed by a rotating sequence of words, including both controversial terms like “pimping” and “squirting,” as well as more neutral ones like “art,” “minting,” and “ideas.”Pollak says he appreciates “provocative art”Pollak emphasized that the artwork was made by a creator, not him, and specifically apologized for the image featuring the phrase “Base is for pimping.”Pollak said that while he wants to support artists building on Base and admits he appreciates “provocative art,” he recognizes the need to be mindful of his shared messages, especially when they appear to come directly from him.
Morris said this “doesn’t just hurt Base, it hurts crypto.” Morris added:“The specific allusion to sex trafficking (not “sex work,” pimping is pretty fundamentally exploitation) is specifically bad for a sector that needs to advance the narrative that open finance is a net social positive.”However, many praised Pollak for the apology and his continued efforts to push boundaries in the crypto industry.“Love the honesty.
Source: Jesse PollakIt comes after criticism from several crypto industry participants who took to social media to voice their disappointment over Pollak’s endorsement of the image, calling out the use of the word “pimping.”Crypto commentator “Kristel” said in an April 18 X post, “so we’re just casually platforming pimping now? ” “I get pushing boundaries, but this isn’t it,” she said.“This isn’t provocative and ‘edgy,” she added.
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Author / Journalist: Cointelegraph by Ciaran Lyons
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