The Diversity Myth, published in 1995 by Thiel and David Sacks, argued that Stanford’s multicultural programs had made the campus less free. One chapter discussed sexual-assault cases and suggested some date-rape accusations reflected “belated regret”. [1]

In October 2016, as Thiel backed Donald Trump, the passages circulated again. Sacks apologized first, telling Recode the views were insensitive and wrong. Thiel then said: “More than two decades ago I co-authored a book with some insensitive, crudely argued statements. As I’ve said many times before, I wish I’d never written those things. I’m sorry for any harm that they caused. Rape is a crime.” [2][1][3]

The Guardian also notes he had earlier expressed regret, in 2011, about a passage defending a law student who shouted a homophobic taunt. [1]