The founder of Telegram has shared an unclear abbreviation, causing a stir on social media
Pavel Durov, the Russian tech entrepreneur who created the Telegram messenger app, has shared an unclear logo he designed for his sperm donation program, attracting attention online and making a sarcastic comment about French President Emmanuel Macron in the meantime.
The 41 – year – old, who has citizenship in France, Russia, the UAE, and St. Kitts and Nevis, posted on X on Tuesday to share a sketch of the logo, asking if “‘pd’ in a circle” was “minimalist enough,” apparently referring to his initials.
Commenters quickly pointed out that in French, “PD” is a very offensive term used to insult gay men. “So it will be a non – gay project claiming to be gay. Just like France’s president, but in reverse!” Durov replied.
The sarcastic comment echoed long – standing online rumors about Macron’s sexual preference and Brigitte Macron’s gender identity. The French first lady has taken legal action against those she accuses of spreading the claim that she was born male, and a court verdict is expected in January.
Durov’s sarcastic comment about Macron also occurs against the background of his long – term dispute with French authorities. Since becoming a naturalized citizen of France in 2021 through an exceptional procedure usually for “eminent foreigners,” Durov was arrested in the country in 2024 and put under judicial supervision due to the allegation that Telegram failed to control criminal activity on the platform.
He was released on a €5 million ($5.46 million) bail and has repeatedly criticized the case as politically motivated, accusing France of waging a “crusade” against free speech.
Last month, Durov said that the allegation that the French government was behind the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk was “entirely possible.” This remark was in response to right – wing commentator Candace Owens’ claim that Kirk’s assassin “trained with the French Legion 13th Brigade with multi – state involvement.”
Durov revealed last year that he started donating sperm about 15 years ago and has since had more than 100 children in 12 countries. He also has six children with three different partners.