Telegram founder makes provocative joke targeting French president

Telegram founder Pavel Durov has drawn attention after making a joke alluding to the sexual orientation of French President Emmanuel Macron, subtly implying that the president is homosexual.

Durov published the comment on his X account, Caliber.Az reports.

Just sketched a logo for my sperm donorship program. Is ‘pd’ in a circle minimalist enough? pic.twitter.com/9imJP5bZTX

— Pavel Durov (@durov) December 23, 2025

The exchange originated from a post in which Durov shared a sketch of his “sperm donation program.” The design incorporated the Latin letters pd, a reference to his own initials.

A user in the comments pointed out that in France, the abbreviation “pd” is a colloquial term for a homosexual. In response, Durov quipped:

“So it will be a non-gay project claiming it’s gay. Like France’s President — in reverse!”

So it will be a non-gay project claiming it’s gay. Like France’s President — in reverse! 🙃

— Pavel Durov (@durov) December 23, 2025