• by Ray Schultz , Columnist, January 5, 2022

This won’t help email teams do their job better, but it’s something people should know about. A Utah tech founder named Dave Bateman has sent an email stating that “the Jews” are using COVID-19 vaccines to kill people. 

Bateman is the co-founder of Entrata, a real estate software company that recently garnered a $500 million investment, and is a Utah state GOP fundraiser. He has stepped down as a board member of Entrata at the request of that firm following the backlash over his email.   

It was not clear at deadline whether this was a full-scale email blast. But The Washington Post reports that Bateman sent the emails to state lawmakers and business executives. 

According to the Deseret News, Bateman’s Tuesday email reads as follows:

“I write this email knowing that many of you will think I’m crazy after reading it I believe there is a sadistic effort underway to euthanize the American people," and also goes on to say: “I believe the Jews are behind this.”

The email also says: “I know, it sounds bonkers. No one is reporting on it, but the Hasidic Jews in the US instituted a law for their people that they are not to be vaccinated for any reason.”

If Facebook and Twitter are responsible for blocking hate speech, then why not email vendors who let this kind of content get through? 

Bateman reportedly stepped down last year as Entrata CEO, and now lives in Puerto Rico. 

He apparently acknowledged his email in a text to a KSTU reporter, but protested that “Some of my closest friends are Jews.” 

Entrata CEO Adam Edmunds condemned Bateman's email attack.

“Earlier today Dave Bateman, one of our founders, made several highly offensive statements in an email to recipients outside the company,” Edmunds wrote. “The opinions expressed by Dave were his alone, and do not reflect the views or values of Entrata, the executive team, board of directors, or investors. To be absolutely clear, we at Entrata firmly condemn antisemitism in any and all forms.

“For those who have seen and been offended or disturbed by the content of Dave’s email, we understand and share your disappointment. At Entrata, we respect and support all religions, genders, sexual orientations, races, and beliefs. Diversity and inclusivity are critical to the success and future of Entrata.”

Very nice. But let’s turn to Rabbi Avremi Zippel of Chabad Lubavitch of Utah, for the defining comment. He called Bateman’s screed “a “flaming pile of garbage,” according to the Post.