Microsoft Fires 2 Brave Employees Over Explosive AI Protest – Shocking Accusations at 50th Anniversary Event

Microsoft Fires 2 Brave Employees Over Explosive AI Protest – Shocking Accusations at 50th Anniversary Event

At Microsoft’s 50th anniversary event in Redmond, Washington, two employees were dismissed after publicly protesting the company’s alleged involvement with the Israeli military. Software engineer Ibtihal Aboussad interrupted AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman’s keynote, accusing Microsoft of using AI to support military operations in Gaza and throwing a keffiyeh on stage. Later, Vaniya Agrawal, who had already resigned, confronted top executives including Satya Nadella and Bill Gates, denouncing the company’s $133 million defense contract and calling Microsoft a “digital weapons manufacturer.”

Both women claimed Microsoft’s AI and cloud technologies were enabling violence in Gaza and Lebanon. Microsoft cited the disruptions as violations of conduct, stating employees must use internal channels to voice concerns. The protest was backed by the group “No Azure for Apartheid,” which campaigns against corporate involvement in military operations. This event adds to growing unrest in the tech industry over ethical use of AI, echoing earlier protests at Google. Despite emphasizing employee input, Microsoft remains firm on maintaining professional decorum during official events.

Microsoft Fires 2 Brave Employees Over Explosive AI Protest – Shocking Accusations at 50th Anniversary Event

Microsoft dismissed two employees after they disrupted the company’s 50th-anniversary celebration in Redmond, Washington, on April 4, 2025, to protest its artificial intelligence (AI) collaborations with the Israeli military. The workers, supported by advocacy group No Azure for Apartheid, claimed Microsoft’s technology contributes to violence in Gaza, sparking debates over corporate ethics in military contracts.

The Protest and Immediate Fallout

During a live-streamed presentation by Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, software engineer Ibtihal Aboussad stormed the stage, accusing the company of enabling “genocide” through its AI tools. “You claim AI is for good, but Microsoft sells AI weapons to the Israeli military,” she shouted, referencing reports of civilian casualties in Gaza. Aboussad threw a keffiyeh—a symbol of Palestinian solidarity—onto the stage before security escorted her out.

Shortly after, Vaniya Agrawal, an Indian-American engineer, interrupted a panel discussion featuring Microsoft leaders, including Satya Nadella and Bill Gates. Agrawal condemned the company’s $133 million AI and cloud contract with Israel’s Ministry of Defense, stating, “50,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been murdered with Microsoft technology. Shame on you for celebrating on their blood.” Though Agrawal had already submitted her resignation, Microsoft accelerated her departure, making it effective immediately.

Microsoft’s Response

The tech giant defended its actions, labeling Aboussad’s protest as “aggressive and disruptive.” In a statement, Microsoft emphasized its support for employee expression but stressed that concerns should be raised through internal channels without disrupting operations. Aboussad lost access to her work accounts post-protest and was terminated via a video call with HR.

Broader Context of Military Tech Criticism

The protest aligns with growing scrutiny of tech firms involved in military projects. An Associated Press investigation revealed that Microsoft and OpenAI’s AI systems were used by the Israeli military to identify bombing targets, including a 2023 airstrike in Lebanon that mistakenly killed three children and their grandmother. Microsoft has not publicly addressed these allegations.

This incident follows prior internal dissent. In February 2025, five employees were removed from a meeting with CEO Nadella for protesting similar contracts. Other tech companies, like Google, faced backlash in 2024 over Project Nimbus, a $1.2 billion cloud-computing deal with Israel, which led to employee sit-ins and subsequent firings.

Employee Resignation and Calls for Accountability

Agrawal’s resignation email, circulated company-wide, accused Microsoft of fueling “genocide” through military contracts. “Our labor powers this violence. I refuse to stay complicit,” she wrote, urging colleagues to demand ethical accountability. Her message concluded with “Free Palestine,” underscoring her solidarity.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

The protests occurred amid ongoing conflict in Gaza, which escalated after Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Palestinian health officials report over 50,000 deaths since, with nearly 2.3 million displaced. Israel denies allegations of genocide, asserting its military operations target Hamas militants.

Ethical Dilemmas in Tech

The firings highlight tensions between corporate policies and employee activism. While Microsoft asserts its commitment to ethical practices, critics argue its contracts contradict these principles. Advocacy groups and workers demand transparency, urging tech companies to avoid militarized projects that risk civilian harm.

As debates over AI’s role in warfare intensify, Microsoft’s handling of dissent sets a precedent for how the industry navigates moral responsibility. The incident underscores the growing demand for tech workers to hold employers accountable, blending professional ethics with global humanitarian concerns.

Looking Ahead

The terminated employees, backed by activist networks, may pursue legal action—mirroring Google workers who filed complaints with the National Labor Relations Board. Meanwhile, Microsoft faces pressure to reevaluate its partnerships and align operations with its publicly stated values of innovation and inclusivity.

For now, the 50th-anniversary event—intended to celebrate Microsoft’s legacy—has instead spotlighted the ethical complexities of modern technology and the voices within the company daring to challenge its direction.