Snapchat CEO Accused Of Allegedly Saying App is “Only For Rich People”

Snapchat is under fire after a recently unredacted court complaint surfaced, quoting a 2015 exchange between the app’s CEO and a former employee. In the complaint, Evan Spiegel is quoted as saying the app is “only for rich people,” adding that he doesn’t want the popular app to “expand into poor countries like India and Spain.”

Now, the parent company, Snap Inc, is denying the CEO’s involvement in the conversation, calling the quote “ridiculous,” adding that the lawsuit was a “publicity stunt.” 

According to reports, the complaint was filed by the company’s former growth lead, Anthony Pompliano. In the paperwork, Pompliano revisits a meeting he had with Spiegel about a plan for the app’s international expansion. To which the CEO reportedly responded saying the app was only for the wealthy, sparking international outrage and a significant decrease in app ratings and stock.

However, a spokesperson for the app has since spoken out, clarifying the apps international relations.

“Obviously, Snapchat is for everyone! It’s available worldwide to download for free. Those words were written by a disgruntled former employee. We are grateful for our Snapchat community in India and around the world,” the spokesperson said on Sunday. Despite Snap’s damage control, the app is now reportedly being boycotted in India.