Samsung apologises after requesting removal of vibrator from display at women’s tech event

'We will learn from this as we continue to sponsor female innovators'

(Getty Images)

Samsung has issued an apology after a senior director at the company asked that a smart vibrator being displayed at women's tech event be removed from view.

On Friday 23 August, Samsung co-hosted the "Growth and Innovation in the Wearable Device Market" event in San Francisco alongside SF Women in Tech.

During the event, Liz Klinger, CEO of smart sex toy company Lioness, claimed in a tweet that she was asked to take down her display table – which had been approved in advance – because it concerned "women's *sexual* health".

"Lots of talk about fertility and watches for women though... but womxn's pleasure is not ok," Klinger added.

Almost a week following the incident, Samsung apologised via a statement provided to The Verge.

"Samsung is proud to support both women in technology and the future of wearable innovation," the statement read.

"This was an event organised by women for women, and men allies who are interested in developing wearable solutions for women.

"We regret an interaction that occurred with a presenting startup and apologise to all those involved."

Samsung added that the incident has been addressed "internally" and that the company "will learn from this" as it continues to "sponsor female innovators".

Following the release of Samsung's statement, Klinger questioned the authenticity of the company's apology, highlighting the fact that the tech organisation has not reached out to her directly.

"Despite their secondhand apology, if you take into account that they haven't reached out to us, does it seem likely we or any other company in female sexual wellness will ever be included in their events again? Or (not to be too cynical about it), did they simply learn to exclude/filter these companies ahead of time," Klinger tweeted.

"What we'd hope for isn't anything huge, just a basic commitment of greater inclusion and concrete steps to achieve it."

The Independent has contacted Samsung for comment.