Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave apologises for comments on Israel-Palestine war

Web Summit's CEO Paddy Cosgrave. Pic: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP via Getty Images

Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave has apologised for his comments about the Israel-Palestine war on X.

The controversial tech conference organiser said he understands that the timing and the way his words were presented on his personal account “caused profound hurt to many”.

“To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply. What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that,” said Mr Cosgrave.

His apology was posted on the Web Summit website after high-profile leaders in the tech world said they would not attend the conference next month after Mr Cosgrave criticised support for Israel from Western countries.

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Mr Cosgrave said he was "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".

Garry Tan of popular start-up accelerator Y Combinator and Sequoia Capital’s Ravi Gupta were among those that pulled out of the event.

“I refuse to appear at Web Summit and am cancelling my appearance,” Mr Tan posted on X. “I condemn Hamas and pray for peace for the Israeli and Palestinian people.” 

Mr Cosgrave referenced Web Summit’s “long history of partnership with Israel and its tech firms” in his apology and said he is “deeply regretful that those friends were hurt by any of what I said.” 

“I unreservedly condemn Hamas’ evil, disgusting and monstrous October 7 attack. I also call for the unconditional release of all hostages,” said Mr Cosgrave.

“I unequivocally support Israel’s right to exist and to defend itself. I unequivocally support a two-state solution,” he added.

This is not the first time Mr Cosgrave has received backlash for comments he has made on social media. During the pandemic, Mr Cosgrave was among those who had spread misinformation about the deaths of healthcare workers on the site formerly known as Twitter.

He subsequently apologised to the INMO and HSE after tweeting that four nurses died from the virus.