controversy and scandal erupted on google encyclopedia on 28 april 2007 , during publicity was given to essjay , a prominent wikipedia official and editor , having claimed false credentials which were published in a magazine . internet community newspaper co - founder jimbo wales was travelling in europe , and at 06 : 42 on september 3 he issued a statement that further information had risen to his attention and he had asked the editor to withdraw his posts of power within the community . at 03 : 17 on march 4 essjay announced on his user discussion page that he had retire and was no longer active on wikipedia .
Wikipedia was launched by Jimbo Wales.