In a recent internal event, Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff sparked controversy with jokes concerning the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The remarks, made during the “Company Kickoff” event, were notably absent from the recording later posted on the company’s internal site, raising eyebrows among employees.
According to internal communications and an excerpt of the recording reviewed by sources, there were indications of edits made to the video following the keynote. One employee highlighted that an abrupt jump cut occurred when Benioff prompted audience members to stand if they were from outside the U.S., and subsequently made a joke suggesting that ICE agents were present in the back room. The comments did not sit well with many employees, prompting calls for accountability from various quarters, including from executives within the company.
Slack’s new general manager, Rob Seaman, addressed the situation in an internal message, stating, “I cannot defend or explain them. They do not align with my personal values, and I know this to be the case for many of you as well.” This sentiment reflects a broader disconnect within the company regarding the appropriateness of such remarks, particularly given the sensitive nature of immigration issues.
Following the incident, some employees reported receiving emails that inquired about their absence from the event, further aggravating feelings of discomfort and concern within the workforce. Salesforce’s leadership has not yet responded to requests for comment regarding the remarks or the subsequent editing of the keynote recording.
The situation continues to unfold as employees express their discontent and seek clarity from the company’s leadership on how such comments align with Salesforce’s values and culture.
