would you rather the reverse to be true? if someone donates enough that's sufficient for the BDFL to silence their opinions?
Back in a more adult age, the way that this was handled was "We've benefited from our past collaboration, but we believe a new direction is needed going forward."
For some reason--COVID brain rot, poorly-socialized people coming online, general increase in viciousness in the population, who knows!--people have forgotten the utility and purpose of boring polite manners and communication.
yes.
A simple, "this entity is a sponsor, and therefore there is a conflict of interest and we will not comment on recent controversy" is enough.
If it's big enough, refuse to take further contributions.
I know it's not entertaining, but that's why we have video games.