Members of the Richmond Women’s Resource Centre (RWRC) were shocked to find their annual International Women’s Day celebration event “Zoom-bombed” with “sexual, racist and pornographic comments and images,” according to a media statement.
The virtual event held on Saturday was intended to reflect on women thriving as leaders and supporting each other amid the pandemic.
But suddenly, during the keynote speech, participants were confronted with offensive material after the link provided to those registered was hacked, enabling the hacker to control what participants saw.
Jessica Liu, event host and administrative assistant of the local not-for-profit organization, was busy monitoring two computers when participant private messaged her about the horrific messages they were receiving.
RWRC did not describe the material being sent out but said it was shocked and heartbroken to see people spreading hate messages, adding that the incident shows “our centre is needed more than ever.”
“The incident is particularly troubling because of the personal and intrusive nature of the zoom-bombing. The RWRC denounces sexism, racism, ageism and discrimination in all forms,” said RWRC in the statement.
Liu said, despite the Zoom-bombing, the event continued, and RWRC received overwhelming support from attendees, keynote speakers and sponsors.
“We want to appreciate the understanding and support from everyone. For people who have been miskicked out of yesterday’s event, we sincerely apologize for that,” said Liu, adding that everyone has been supportive so far.
There has been an increase in Zoom-bombing since the pandemic began and despite “best efforts”, they were still unable to prevent it this time, reads RWRC’s statement.
“Our Board of Directors is committed to moving forward to take best efforts to prevent another such incident.”
