EveryMatrix has issued a public statement distancing itself from remarks made by one of its senior executives after a controversial LinkedIn post triggered widespread outrage across the African gaming industry earlier this week.
The company’s response came after mounting criticism spread across LinkedIn and other industry platforms over remarks made by its Managing Director – Africa, Mark Schmidt. In a statement addressing the controversy, EveryMatrix said it was taking the matter seriously and had launched an internal investigation.
“We are aware of the remarks made by one of our employees on LinkedIn earlier today. We take this matter and the issues raised very seriously and are investigating the matter internally. These remarks are his own and not shared by EveryMatrix, nor do they reflect the high standards we set ourselves and the values we uphold. We have always, and continue to, champion inclusion, empowerment, transformation, and leadership opportunities for women across every one of our global offices and in all the markets we work,” the company emphasised.
The backlash erupted after Mark published a lengthy LinkedIn post that quickly circulated across industry circles through screenshots and reposts. In the post, he criticised African B2B sales and commercial professionals while also mocking the growing number of women-focused gaming groups across the continent.
He remarked that it was surprising there had not been a new African Women In Gaming group created yet in the week before claiming that “most, not all, of the B2B sales/commercial people in Africa are pretty useless.” He further added that his daughters would “eat them up” because they are “bright, articulate, driven, curious and good humans.”
Addressing women trying to enter the industry, Mark proceeded to offer what he described as “a few rules,” including advising them not to “wear anything polyester,” to “try not to get fired every 3 months,” to “learn the basics of the products” they are selling, to avoid “fake Balenciaga/LV/Prada,” and to avoid making “peace signs in photos.”
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The remarks were widely condemned online, with critics describing them as degrading, elitist, sexist, and disrespectful to African professionals and women working within the gaming industry. Within hours, criticism spread rapidly across LinkedIn, with gaming professionals, women’s advocacy groups, and industry stakeholders accusing him of reinforcing harmful stereotypes and publicly belittling African talent.
Several users argued that the comments undermined years of work aimed at increasing inclusion and creating opportunities for women within the gaming and betting industry, particularly within African markets where women continue to push for greater representation in leadership and operational roles.
The African Lottery and Gaming Association (ALGA) also issued a strongly worded statement condemning the remarks and expressing solidarity with women across the gaming and lottery sector. In part, ALGA stated, “ALGA extends its sincere and unequivocal apology to all women across the African gaming and lottery industry who may have been affected, offended, or demeaned by the utterances made by Mr Mark Schmidt of EveryMatrix this morning. The comments made were deeply offensive, degrading, and wholly inconsistent with the values of dignity, equality, professionalism, and respect that women in this industry deserve. No woman should ever be subjected to commentary that seeks to undermine her contribution, professionalism, appearance, or place within the sector.”
“As an association committed to the advancement, empowerment, and protection of women in gaming across the African continent, we recognise the pain, disappointment, and frustration that such remarks may have caused. African women continue to play a critical role in shaping the future of the gaming and lottery industry through leadership, innovation, regulation, operations, technology, communications, and entrepreneurship. Their contributions must be honoured and respected at all times” the association continued.
The controversy continued to gain traction across LinkedIn as more industry professionals publicly reacted to Schmidt’s remarks and questioned the culture and attitudes the comments appeared to reflect. Among the most widely shared reactions was a post by Niko Mannino of PlaylogiQ, who criticised what he described as the normalisation of condescending attitudes toward women in the industry, particularly African women professionals. Mannino went on to argue that the issue extended beyond offensive remarks and reflected deeper concerns around leadership and gatekeeping within professional spaces.
“Let me be precise about what it actually is; a man positioning himself as the sole arbiter of which women deserve recognition in a professional space, stereotypes dressed up as humor, aimed specifically at women, and disproportionately at African women professionals, and validation handed down from above, as if seven accomplished professionals needed his endorsement to be considered credible.”
He further criticised what he described as the culture that allows such attitudes to persist within the industry. “Here’s something this industry needs to hear: a title Director, Managing Director, whatever it says on the business card, does not confer moral authority. It does not confer judgment. It does not confer the right to decide who belongs and who doesn’t. A title is earned through behavior, not printed on a card.”
Mannino also addressed what he viewed as performative accountability following the backlash. “A corporate statement has since been issued. An apology followed shortly after. Good. But when accountability only arrives after a public relations crisis, it isn’t accountability. It’s damage control.”
His post generated significant engagement from professionals across the gaming industry, with many agreeing that the controversy reflected broader frustrations around workplace culture, representation, and the treatment of women within the sector.
Another LinkedIn discussion thread that attracted significant engagement saw users describe the remarks as “unprofessional,” “demeaning,” and harmful to ongoing efforts aimed at creating more inclusive spaces within the industry. Several commenters argued that the issue was not simply about disagreement or humour, but about the impact senior industry leaders’ statements can have on women and young professionals trying to enter and grow within the sector.
Following hours of mounting criticism and public outcry, Mark later released a video apology on LinkedIn addressing the controversy. In the video, Schmidt acknowledged the backlash, apologised for the offence caused, and attempted to clarify his intentions.
“Today I created a post on LinkedIn that has created upset and outrage across the industry in Africa and globally. From the onset, I would like to make it clear that that post was my own. It was my own thoughts and my own words. Today I crossed that line, and I need to own it. I got it completely wrong. What I can say, there will be a lot of learning from this event and if anybody would like to contact me to speak to me further about it, please do so,” he said.
However, reactions to the apology remained divided, with some industry professionals describing it as “damage control” rather than genuine accountability, arguing that the apology only came after sustained public pressure and widespread condemnation online.
As the controversy intensified, concerns also emerged online after what appeared to be Schmidt’s personal phone number was allegedly circulated publicly. While many maintained that accountability was necessary, several professionals also cautioned against threats, harassment, or intimidation, urging instead that the matter be allowed to proceed through proper professional and internal investigative channels.
