Skylar Williams
Oct 18, 2022 14:24
Monday, Parlement Technologies said that Kanye West, now known as Ye, has reached an agreement in principle to acquire Parler, a social media site popular with U.S. conservatives.
The transaction is expected to be concluded in the fourth quarter of 2022, according to Parler of Nashville, which has invested nearly $56 million to date. It did not give a deal value.
Following the U.S. In January of 2021, riots break out in the Capitol. Along with Gettr, Gab, and Truth Social, Parler is one of multiple social media networks that offer themselves as alternatives to Twitter Inc. in terms of free speech (NYSE:TWTR).
Last month, Parler restructured and launched a new parent company, Parlement Technologies Inc.
In an interview with Reuters on Monday, George Farmer, CEO of Parlement Technologies, revealed that negotiations with Ye began shortly after Paris Fashion Week.
Ye, a fashion designer, wearing a T-shirt reading "White Lives Matter" on October 3 in Paris. Multiple Jewish groups claim that he posted anti-Semitic content on Instagram four days later. For these posts, Instagram and Facebook owner Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) banned Ye from his Instagram account.
Ye then resorted to Twitter, where he made his first post in two years on October 8. His Twitter account was disabled shortly thereafter.
According to Parlement's CEO, the Parler acquisition came together quickly, and Parlement was "given a chance."
"The argument over Instagram's ban was the determining factor for him," Farmer said, declining to comment on whether the contract stipulates a breakup fee if either party terminates it.
Ye severed ties with clothing store Gap Inc (NYSE:GPS) in September, and on October 6 Adidas (OTC:ADDY) declared that it is reevaluating its business connection with the rapper.
Monday, Farmer remarked that he has no reservations about Parler's advertising opportunities under Ye.
Farmer stated, "I see this as a warning shot for companies that wish to deplatform people." There are an increasing number of advertisers interested in this sector.
At the time of the announcement, Ye had around 91 followers, indicating that he joined Parler on Monday. He now has 3,900.
"In a world where conservative beliefs are considered controversial, we must ensure that we have the right to free expression," he remarked.
According to Farmer, there are 16,500,000 registered Parler users. According to Apptopia, the platform has been downloaded 11,700,000 times since its start, and it has 40,000 daily active users.
According to Forbes, Ye has a $2 billion net worth.
Oct 19, 2022 14:17