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Jimmy Wales Walks Out of 'Jung & Naiv' Interview Over Wikipedia Founder Question

The walkout refocused attention on the unresolved question of sole founder versus co‑founder credit.

Overview

  • Wales ended the interview in under a minute after host Tilo Jung asked whether he is the founder or a co‑founder of Wikipedia.
  • He had introduced himself as the “founder,” then called the distinction “the dumbest question in the world” and said it was a matter of opinion rather than fact.
  • Jung posted under the published video that the query was journalistically appropriate and factually relevant because Wikipedia lists Wales as a co‑founder.
  • Coverage places the exchange in a years‑long dispute over Wikipedia’s origins, with early materials naming both Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger and the current article still crediting both.
  • Reports note the appearance came as Wales promotes a new book on trust and Wikipedia’s principles, with some past accounts alleging he downplayed Sanger’s role.