Pie Throwing at Bill Gates: An Anecdote and the Anarchic Art of Nol Godin

The incident where a person threw a pie at Microsoft founder Bill Gates during a Microsoft event in 1998 in Brussels, Belgium, is a fascinating chapter in the annals of corporate and public relations history. This event, which began as a protest against Microsoft’s business practices, culminated in a quirky and memorable encounter that both participants and spectators remember fondly.

Background of the Incident

The pie-throwing incident occurred during a Microsoft event in Brussels in 1998, where an individual from a protest group aimed a pie squarely at Bill Gates’ face. Security swiftly intervened, subduing the irritant and removing him from the premises. This act of protest, while disrupting the event temporarily, resulted in a series of interesting reactions and recollections.

Bill Gates' Perspective

Bill Gates reportedly maintained a marked sense of humor and resilience. Later, he made light of the incident, referring to it as a "humorous moment" and asserting that he didn’t take it personally. In interviews and public speeches, he often underscored the importance of maintaining a good sense of humor, especially when facing such unexpected and eccentric challenges.

Reliterature by Nol Godin, “Entarteur”

Following the initial incident, Nol Godin, the protest artist known as the "pie-thrower" or as entarteur, continued his performances by targeting other notable figures, primarily French politicians. This anarchist art form involved a well-planned escape from security and a strategic throw of the pie at the target. Godin, along with his accomplices, meticulously planned their operations to dodge and surprise their victims.

The Brussels Incident

In my current location, a sports hall in Leuven, Belgium, one of Godin’s pies was hurled during a visit to the university. There were a total of three pies thrown, each with its own sequence of events. Initially, the victim, who was wearing glasses, was rendered stunned by the sudden and unexpected impact. It was later revealed that the pie-throwers did not appreciate the pain it might cause due to the glasses.

Immediately after the incident, the victim was escorted inside to use the restroom, allowing him some time to clean himself up. A nearby supermarket was promptly visited to obtain a new shirt, while one of Godin’s accomplices lent him his jacket to wear for the rest of the day, offering a practical yet humorous solution to the problem.

Legal Implications

Interestingly, one of the pie throwers faced legal consequences. He was charged with assault, but to my knowledge, the specifics of the sentence were not made public. While others involved in the incidents may have faced similar charges, they have not been publicly documented, leaving many to wonder about the full scope of the legal proceedings.

The pie throwing incidents serve as a memorable footnote in the lives of both the participants and those affected. They highlight the intersection of humor, activism, and corporate life, offering an alternative view of disrupting the conventional by embracing whimsy and artistry.