The Telegram founder has shared an ambiguous abbreviation, raising eyebrows on social media
Pavel Durov, the Russian tech entrepreneur behind the Telegram messenger app, has shared an ambiguous logo he devised for his sperm donation program, raising eyebrows online and taking a dig at French President Emmanuel Macron in the process.
The 41-year-old, who holds citizenship in France as well as Russia, the UAE and St. Kitts and Nevis, took to X on Tuesday to share a sketch of the logo, asking whether “‘pd’ in a circle” was “minimalist enough,” in an apparent nod to his initials.
Commenters were quick to point out that in French, “PD” is a highly offensive slur used to insult gay men. “So it will be a non-gay project claiming it’s gay. Like France’s president – in reverse!” Durov wrote in response.
Just sketched a logo for my sperm donorship program. Is ‘pd’ in a circle minimalist enough? pic.twitter.com/9imJP5bZTX
The jab echoed long-running online rumors about Macron’s sexual preference and Brigitte Macron’s gender identity. The French first lady has pursued legal action against individuals she’s accused of spreading the allegation that she was born male, with a court verdict expected in January.
Durov’s jab at Macron also comes against the backdrop of his long-running dispute with French authorities. A naturalized citizen of France since 2021 under an exceptional procedure typically reserved for “eminent foreigners,” Durov was arrested in the country in 2024 and placed under judicial supervision over allegations that Telegram had failed to curb criminal activity on the platform.
He was released on €5 million ($5.46 million) bail and has repeatedly denounced the case as politically motivated, accusing France of waging a “crusade” against free speech.
Last month, Durov suggested that allegations that the French government was behind the assassination of US conservative activist Charlie Kirk were “entirely possible.” The remark came in response to right-wing commentator Candace Owens’ claims that Kirk’s assassin “trained with the French Legion 13th Brigade with multi-state involvement.”
Durov revealed last year that he began donating sperm around 15 years ago and has since fathered more than 100 offspring across 12 countries. He has also had six children with three different partners.
