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Silicon Valley tech firm apologises for sexist stunt after backlash at industry event

August 15, 2024

Palo Alto Networks has apologised for using women as lampstands at a Las Vegas event, sparking accusations of sexism and reigniting concerns over Silicon Valley's "bro" culture.

A major Silicon Valley tech firm, Palo Alto Networks, has issued an apology following widespread criticism for its controversial marketing stunt at an industry event in Las Vegas.

The company faced backlash after images emerged showing female models dressed in tight outfits with lampshades covering their heads, used as human lampstands during a networking event at the Black Hat conference.

Nikesh Arora, CEO of Palo Alto Networks, expressed regret over what he described as a “misguided attempt to welcome guests,” acknowledging that the use of lamp-wearing hostesses was inappropriate. Unnikrishnan KP, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, echoed this sentiment, calling the decision “tone deaf, in poor taste, and not aligned with our company values.”

The incident has reignited discussions about the persistent “bro” culture in Silicon Valley, a term used to describe the male-dominated, often misogynistic environment that has been the subject of criticism for years. Olivia Rose, a cybersecurity advisor, condemned the event on LinkedIn, highlighting the ongoing challenges women face in the tech industry. She criticised the company for reducing women to mere props, noting that some female employees felt too intimidated to voice their concerns about the decision.

The tech industry has long struggled with allegations of sexism and exclusionary practices. Emily Chang, in her book Brotopia, explores the dark side of Silicon Valley’s culture, including its impact on women working in the sector. The Palo Alto Networks incident has drawn comparisons to outdated practices like the use of “booth babes,” which were phased out in the early 2000s but lingered far longer than they should have.

In response to the controversy, Palo Alto Networks has launched an internal investigation to determine how the decision was made and to ensure that similar mistakes are not repeated. However, some critics on social media have questioned the sincerity of the company’s apology, suggesting that it lacked a direct acknowledgement of the sexism and misogyny underlying the stunt.