CEO Faces Big Backlash For Backing Pro-Hamas Protestors

Andrew Dudum, founder and CEO of Hims, recently posted to X (formerly known as Twitter) with high praise for anti-Israel and pro-Hamas protests on college campuses across the country. Dudum said, "Moral courage > College degree. If you're currently protesting against the genocide of the Palestinian people & for your university's divestment from Israel, keep going. It's working. There are plenty of companies & CEOs eager to hire you, regardless of university discipline." He included the link to apply to his company. Dudum doubled down on hiring those calling for "Death to America" and the eradication of Israel, adding, "If you are currently protesting against the genocide of Palestinian people and for your university's divestment from Israel, keep going." Dudum claimed to have family in the West Bank and Gaza and is of Palestinian descent. He has frequently re-posted from pro-Palestinian Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Ilhan Omar. Reaction from the markets and critics was swift with Hims stock dropping 8% within days of his comments. Dudum's approach to the anti-Israel protests is in stark contrast with many other business owners and donors to these universities who offered sharp criticism for student protestors and anti-Semitic activity. Co-founder of Palantir Technologies, Joe Lonsdale, said, "Real moral courage doesn't involve joining a mindless mob, chanting anti-US and other woke pablum, following instructions not to debate or discuss you positions at all yet being indignantly righteous, while large numbers in the mob chant for violence and block Jewish students". Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman is just one of many CEOs who have vowed never to hire students involved in these protests. He called for the universities to release the names of the student groups organizing these protests. He said on X, "students should not be able to hide behind a corporate shield when issuing statements supporting the actions of terrorists". Dudum later backpedaled furiously on his comments saying on X, "The last few days have been a disheartening reflection of just how divisive a time we live in. I'd like to clarify a few things because my words have been misconstrued by some". The farther down Dudum's company's stock tumbled, the more often he took to social media to apologize: "I in no way condone or support acts or threats of violence, antisemitism, or intimidation and there is absolutely no justification for violence on our campuses." And, "I do believe deeply in the right for people to use their voices in peaceful protest to drive change". Hims has a market cap of approximately $2.68 billion dollars. The company's stock value plummeted $210 million following Dudum's pro-Hamas protest position.

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CEO Faces Big Backlash For Backing Pro-Hamas Protestors