During Microsoft’s 50th anniversary celebration on Friday, April 4, 2025, a protest by two employees interrupted the company’s event in Redmond, Washington. The event featured top executives, including Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman, co-founder Bill Gates, and former CEO Steve Ballmer.
As Suleyman was presenting new updates for Microsoft’s AI assistant, Copilot, employee Ibtihal Aboussad walked toward the stage shouting, “Mustafa, shame on you.” She accused the company of supporting the Israeli military through AI technology and called it a tool for genocide, referencing the deaths of thousands in Gaza.
Protesters Call Out AI Weapons Use
Aboussad continued her protest saying, “Microsoft powers this genocide in our region,” before throwing a keffiyeh scarf—a symbol of Palestinian solidarity—on stage. Suleyman responded briefly with, “Thank you for your protest, I hear you.” Security escorted Aboussad out shortly after.
Second Protest Targets Top Executives
Later, another Microsoft employee, Vaniya Agrawal, disrupted a panel featuring Gates, Ballmer, and current CEO Satya Nadella. This was the first public gathering of the three Microsoft CEOs since 2014. Agrawal’s protest added to the growing employee opposition to the company’s military contracts.
Previous Protests and Company Response
This isn’t the first time Microsoft employees have raised concerns. In February 2025, five employees were removed from an internal meeting for protesting similar issues. However, Friday’s protest was more visible, as it took place during a livestreamed event.
Microsoft responded with a statement saying, “We provide many avenues for all voices to be heard… but ask that this be done without disrupting the business.” The company did not confirm any disciplinary actions but noted that those causing disruption are asked to relocate.
Employees Locked Out of Work Accounts
After the protest, both Aboussad and Agrawal reportedly lost access to their Microsoft accounts, hinting that the company may have terminated their employment. As of now, Microsoft has not officially commented on the status of the two employees.
AI and Military Use Under Scrutiny
Earlier in 2025, an investigation by the Associated Press revealed that Microsoft’s AI tools, developed in partnership with OpenAI, were used by the Israeli military. The tools reportedly helped select bombing targets in Gaza and Lebanon. One strike in 2023 mistakenly hit a vehicle in Lebanon, killing three young girls and their grandmother.
This ongoing controversy highlights growing concerns about how AI technologies are used in warfare and the responsibilities of big tech companies like Microsoft.
