The largest cybersecurity company in the US, Palo Alto Networks, has issued an apology after facing backlash for a controversial publicity stunt at a trade event in Las Vegas. The company came under fire for having two women pose with company-branded lampshades on their heads at a “CyberRisk Collaborative Happy Hour” at the Black Hat conference.
Critics have called the stunt “sexist”, “creepy”, and “tone deaf”, prompting Palo Alto Networks’ boss, Nikesh Arora, to admit that it was a misjudgment. In a LinkedIn post, Arora stated that the company does not support or aspire to such behavior.
The image of the women with lampshades on their heads, which obscured their faces, was shared on social media by LinkedIn user Sean Juroviesky, who described the scene as “sexist”. Executive advisor Olivia Rose also criticized the company, questioning if women were only seen as props.
The controversy surrounding the incident highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of women in the tech industry. The use of women as “booth babes” at male-dominated events dates back to the 1960s, but has faced backlash in recent years. Despite progress, the tech industry still struggles with issues of gender equality and inclusivity.
As the industry continues to grapple with these challenges, it is clear that there is still work to be done to ensure that women are treated with respect and equality in the tech world.
