Powerscourt Hotel cancels Peter Thiel group's conference amid protests

Event Cancellation Details

The Powerscourt Hotel Resort and Spa has confirmed the cancellation of a conference hosted by Dialog, a group co-founded by Peter Thiel. The event was set for August and was reportedly to include discussions on sensitive military topics and strategic technologies.

Criticism and Protests

The planned Dialog conference drew significant criticism from various opposition parties and pro-Palestinian groups. These entities highlighted Palantir's controversial partnerships with the Israeli military as a primary reason for their opposition, leading to a coordinated campaign calling for the event's cancellation.

Statements from Stakeholders

Following the cancellation, a spokesperson from the hotel indicated no further comments would be made. The hotel’s operator, MHL Hotel Collection, expressed relief regarding the decision, thanking supporters during what they described as a challenging time. Protests organized by the Drop Dialogue campaign will no longer take place.

Future Actions from Advocacy Groups

The Drop Dialogue group has issued statements celebrating the cancellation as a victory for public protest. They have called on MHL Hotels to ensure the Dialog event will not be hosted at any of their other locations in Ireland to avoid further campaigns.

Background on Dialog and Peter Thiel

Dialog, co-founded by Peter Thiel and entrepreneur Auren Hoffman, is known for its invitation-only events that reportedly engage in discussions on controversial topics including warfare and technology. Thiel co-founded PayPal and Palantir, with the latter company often scrutinized for its military contracts.