Billionaire Richard Branson Deletes Tweet, Apologizes after All-White South Africa Photo Sparks Outrage

British billionaire Richard Branson was forced to delete a tweet considered 'racially discriminative' and apologize after it sparked outrage from social media users.

The tycoon posted a photo about South Africa that had only white people on it, making Twitter users wonder whether SA is an all-white country.

“Wonderful to be in South Africa to help launch the new Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship. We aim to become the heart of entrepreneurship for Southern Africa,” Branson tweeted.

Twitter user Thula Sindi noted: “Where did you find so many white people in South Africa??? That must have really taken an honest effort to exclude the majority of the population which is just as skilled and talented. Wow. Incredible.”

SiceloNkosi tweeted: “Race advocates, I’m on your side but think you got this one wrong. Please open the link before you comment. This is one of many pictures, most of which are diverse.”

Vuci Mnisi said: “With all due respect Mr Branson, we are inspired by what you doing in SA but we are very disappointed with the hierarchy of your centre, it does not lack diversity only, but it also lacks blacks in TOP positions.. from the looks of it.” 

South Africa’s population stands at 58 million with eight out of 10 people listed as Black African, according to BBC.

The criticism forced Branson to pull down the tweet and later issue an apology.

“We apologise for the poorly chosen image, but would like to emphasise that this does not reflect the diverse make-up of attendees,” the spokesperson for Branson’s Virgin Group told the BBC.