Microsoft’s 50th anniversary was supposed to be a celebration. Instead, it turned into a PR nightmare when two employees disrupted the event—accusing the company of powering genocide—and were fired within days. Here’s what went down, why it matters, and what Microsoft isn’t saying.
The Protest That Shook Microsoft
Last Friday, as Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman hyped up the company’s AI vision, engineer Ibtihal Aboussad stormed the stage, yelling:
“You claim AI is for good, but Microsoft sells AI weapons to Israel. Fifty thousand are dead—you have blood on your hands!” 18. She threw a keffiyeh (a Palestinian solidarity symbol) at Suleyman before security dragged her out.
Minutes later, Vaniya Agrawal interrupted a panel with Bill Gates, Steve Ballmer, and Satya Nadella, shouting: “Shame on you all! Cut ties with Israel!” 712. Both women emailed coworkers, calling Microsoft a “digital weapons manufacturer” 12.
Microsoft’s Hardline Response
By Monday:
- Aboussad was fired for “willful misconduct”—Microsoft claimed she “sought notoriety” by disrupting the livestream 7.
- Agrawal, who’d already resigned, was kicked out early—her last day moved from April 11 to immediately 3.
Microsoft’s stance? “Raise concerns privately, not by sabotaging events.” But employees say internal complaints go ignored 10.
The Bigger Problem: AI in Warfare
This isn’t just about two firings. Reports confirm Microsoft’s AI helps Israel select bombing targets 812. One strike, allegedly AI-guided, killed three children and their grandma in Lebanon 4.
Employees argue: “We didn’t sign up to build tech for war.” Microsoft insists it follows “the highest standards”—but won’t disclose which militaries use its AI 210.
Silenced or Rightfully Fired?
- Activists say: This is retaliation. Earlier, Microsoft fired two workers for a Palestinian vigil 10.
- Microsoft says: Protests crossed a line from speech to disruption 7.
But critics note: When Google fired protesters over Project Nimbus (a $1.2B Israel deal), it backfired 12. Will Microsoft face the same backlash?
What’s Next?
- No Azure for Apartheid (the employee group) demands Microsoft cut Israel ties and rehire the fired workers 10.
- Legal action? Google protesters sued for wrongful termination—could these workers too? 12.
The bottom line: Microsoft’s caught between ethics and profit. But silencing dissent? That rarely ends well.
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