Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey has apologised for a series of tweets he posted earlier in the week which celebrated Myanmar and its beauty.
Dorsey, who had just finished a silent meditation retreat in Myanmar, claimed the country was a “beautiful country”, with many fellow Twitter users slamming the CEO for ignoring the ongoing Rohingya genocide taking place.
Myanmar is an absolutely beautiful country. The people are full of joy and the food is amazing. I visited the cities of Yangon, Mandalay, and Bagan. We visited and meditated at many monasteries around the country. pic.twitter.com/wMp3cmkfwi
— jack (@jack) December 9, 2018
Users accused Dorsey of “spreading fake news” following the tweets.
Did you actually see that kids were thrown in the fire? Have you any video evidence to prove your claims? Stop spreading fake news if you cannot prove them!
— Lynn Htun (@Lynn_Htun) December 10, 2018
https://twitter.com/giantcu92/status/1071969724030951424
Now, Dorsey has made a public statement, claiming he needs to “learn more”.
“I don’t know enough and need to learn more,” he said.
“Twitter is a way for people to share news and information about events in Myanmar as well as to bear witness to the plight of the Rohingya and other peoples and communities,” he said.
“We’re actively working to address emerging issues. This includes violent extremism and hateful conduct.”
I’m aware of the human rights atrocities and suffering in Myanmar. I don’t view visiting, practicing, or talking with the people, as endorsement. I didn’t intend to diminish by not raising the issue, but could have acknowledged that I don’t know enough and need to learn more.
— jack (@jack) December 11, 2018