There isn’t a lot of value in a “good reference” from someone with a bad character.

On the other hand, What has Amjad lost today in terms of personal reputation?

Can’t say I agree with your assessment of who’s finished the day with a net loss.

> I don’t think keeping that website up is worth throwing away a strong reference from the CEO of a highly funded company - do you?

Why does it have to be in this tone? It's honestly even worse because it would put himself on a pedestal.

If he was truly worried he could simply have a conversation about said worry. You are just reframing to a different threat.

Its not a good way to settle disagreements by making threats as you outline here. I think your suggestion is as bad a way of handling this as the original way. Why not react positively, re-state your intent to hire the intern, say that this is indeed interesting for the company - and because of that - could you please make it not public (against a bonus) and maybe keep working on it inside repl.it.