Enron, the energy company infamous for its historic collapse in 2001 due to accounting fraud, has resurfaced in an elaborate prank by its new owner, The College Company. The parody, which features a promotional video on X, claims the company’s return and extols the virtues of adaptation and forgiveness.
The video, which includes a mix of dance, boxing, and farming scenes, is a tongue-in-cheek commentary on the dangers of not adapting to change. The clip also quotes a philosophical phrase: “In the modern world, you must accept change is the only constant. Learn how to adapt. Forgive.”
The College Company, founded by Connor Gaydos, also created the popular conspiracy theory, “Birds Aren’t Real,” which suggests that birds are drones created by the government as surveillance tools. The company has already sold T-shirts and other merchandise with both brand logos.
Reddit users have speculated that the new Enron may be planning to launch a cryptocurrency, given the focus on “permissionless innovation” in the company’s statement. A countdown banner on the Enron website counts down to a “very special” announcement next week.
The new Enron is also engaging in a marketing campaign, releasing a series of tongue-in-cheekhood posts on social media, including one that takes accountability for past mistakes, claiming, “Acknowledging and taking responsibility for past mistakes isn’t merely for show – it reflects our commitment to ethical practices moving forward.”
The original Enron’s collapse in 2001 led to the prosecution of top executives, including Kenneth Lay and Jeffrey Skilling, and the loss of thousands of jobs and millions of dollars for employees who had been encouraged to invest in the company’s stock.
