A US university commencement speaker for the class of 2024, entrepreneur Chris Pan, shocked attendees by revealing that he was under the influence of ayahuasca, a plant-based psychedelic, while writing his speech. The speech, which promoted Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, was met with mixed reactions.
The Ohio State University, a public research university in Columbus, Ohio, United States, held its commencement ceremony on May 5. Chris Pan was chosen to deliver the speech to the graduating students and their families.
Pan’s speech took an unexpected turn when he began discussing Bitcoin and financial literacy. He urged the audience to keep an open mind and consider investing in Bitcoin, calling it a misunderstood asset class. However, his remarks were met with criticism and even booing from some attendees.
In a surprising revelation, Pan later admitted on LinkedIn that he was under the influence of ayahuasca while writing the speech. Ayahuasca is known for its psychedelic effects and is used in religious rituals and therapeutic contexts by indigenous peoples in South America.
Pan’s speech, which included a demonstration of Bitcoin investment options, failed to resonate with the audience, leading to a controversial aftermath. His unconventional approach to the speechwriting process and promotion of cryptocurrency sparked a debate about the boundaries of professionalism and appropriate conduct for public speakers.