The CEO of hair loss company Hims & Hers Health Inc. (HIMS) is trying to walk back support for anti-Israel student protesters after his company’s stock value dropped 8% last week.
“I, in no way, condone nor support acts or threats of violence, antisemitism, or intimidation and there is absolutely no justification for violence on our campuses,” HIMS CEO Andrew Dudum posted on X this Sunday.
After claiming that his words were “misconstrued by some,” Dudum stated that he has a “personal appreciation” for different points of view since his children are descendants of both Arab refugees and Holocaust survivors.
“Every student deserves to feel safe without fear of harm or being targeted for who they are. I am deeply saddened that my support for peaceful protest has been interpreted by some as encouraging violence, intimidation, or bigotry of any kind.”
Dudum’s initial post on Friday drew outrage when he offered employment opportunities to any student who protested Israel’s role in the Gaza War.
“If you’re currently protesting against the genocide of the Palestinian people & for your university’s divestment from Israel, keep going. It’s working. There are plenty of companies & CEOs eager to hire you, regardless of university discipline,” Dudum wrote at the time.
HIMS stock was valued at $12.24 per share before falling to $11.26 on Friday, but it seems like his ‘apology’ may have helped a bit to recoup the nearly $210 million his company lost, with CNBC reporting that HIMS premarket value rebounded Monday by 6% before the opening bell.
