On Saturday, after spotting similarities in the design and branding of the CPAC stage and the use and looks of the Odal rune, netizens lashed out on the Hyatt Hotels hospitality company for hosting the conference with a "Nazi-inspired" stage design and also for failing to "do something" about it.
The outrage sparked after some netizens suggested that the CPAC stage in The Hyatt Regency Orlando resembles the Odal rune - a symbol used by Nazis - suggesting that the design is intentional. The Hyatt was bombarded by critical inquiries and demands for explanations, prompting the company to respond.
"Hyatt's most fundamental responsibility is to provide a safe and inclusive environment for all of our colleagues, guests and customers", the hotel chain stated. "We believe in the right of individuals and organizations to peacefully express their views, independent of the degree to which the perspectives of those hosting meetings and events at our hotels align with ours."
The statement did not appear to satisfy the critics - on the contrary, the anger only intensified, and calls for a Hyatt boycott followed.
The rage continued spread over threads, with both "Hyatt" and "Nazi" skyrocketing to Twitter trends.
One prominent CPAC figure, Matt Schlapp, the head of the American Conservative Union, reacted to the passions boiling on Twitter by slamming the stage design allegations as "outrageous and slanderous", reaffirming "a long standing commitment to the Jewish community."
While many called to punish Hyatt companies amid allegations of "hosting Nazis", others, particularly a former governor of Arkansas, Mike Huckabee, weighed in to defend the corporation.
"I shall be giving Hyatt more of my business! No corp should be punished for selling their core product-refreshing to see them stand their ground", Huckabee tweeted.
The 2021 CPAC conference takes place 25 to 28 February in Orlando, Florida.