The board of Parler, a social media platform backed by Republican Party donor Rebekah Mercer and favoured by U.S conservatives, has fired its CEO John Matze, he said on Wednesday.
Parler has been on the news lately for allegedly contributing to the riots in the Capitol on January 6th, and was used by Republicans and Trump supporters to rally each other and organise the same.
Their website now has a notice, that reads ”
Now seems like the right time to remind you all — both lovers and haters — why we started this platform. We believe privacy is paramount and free speech essential, especially on social media. Our aim has always been to provide a nonpartisan public square where individuals can enjoy and exercise their rights to both.
We will resolve any challenge before us and plan to welcome all of you back soon. We will not let civil discourse perish!”
John Matze, the CEO has been terminated by the board of Parler.
Matze confirmed the move to Reuters, after it was originally reported by Fox News, and said that he had not been given a settlement.
“On January 29, 2021, the Parler board controlled by Rebekah Mercer decided to immediately terminate my position as CEO of Parler. I did not participate in this decision,” Matze said in a memo sent to Parler staff.
“Over the past few months, I’ve met constant resistance to my product vision, my strong belief in free speech and my view of how the Parler site should be managed.”
