Social network Parler announced Thursday that it has declined to be bought by rapper and entrepreneur Kanye West, embroiled in a series of controversies and accusations of anti-Semitism. The man, who officially changed his name to Ye last year, made a bid for the popular conservative platform in October, a bid he said was motivated by a desire to protect free speech.
Parler’s parent company, Parliament Technologies, “agreed with Ye to terminate Parler’s sales contract“, he said on the official Talk account of the social network. “This decision was made in mid-November in the interests of both parties“, said the company, which noted that “Talk (will continue) to explore opportunities for growth and evolution of the platform“.
After posting anti-Semitic messages on Instagram and Twitter in early October, Kanye West gradually became persona non grata in the business world. Balenciaga, then Adidas, ended their collaboration with the bipolar artist known for his unpredictable behavior and taste for controversy.
“I love Hitler”
On Thursday, he admitted his admiration for Adolf Hitler on the main show of far-right conspiracist Alex Jones.Infowars:“. “i love hitler“, the star, who was wearing a black balaclava that covered his entire face, shouted several times. “I also see positive things about Hitler“, he added: “This guy (…) invented highways, invented the microphone that I use as a musician. You can’t say publicly that this person did something right and I’m sick of it.»
Launched in 2018, Parler gained popularity after Donald Trump was suspended from Twitter following the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021, primarily among ultra-conservatives. It presents itself as an alternative to bluebird networks like Gab, Gettr or Truth Social, a platform created by a former Republican president.
Deciding to limit the moderation of its exchanges to promote freedom of expression, Parler was removed from the Apple and Google download platforms shortly after the events of January 2021. It finally returned to the app store from Apple in April 2021 and in 2021. The Google Play Store, its counterpart at Google, expanded its content moderation last September.
Source: Le Figaro
I am Ben Stock, a passionate and experienced digital journalist working in the news industry. At the Buna Times, I write articles covering technology developments and related topics. I strive to provide reliable information that my readers can trust. My research skills are top-notch, as well as my ability to craft engaging stories on timely topics with clarity and accuracy.