Zuckerberg’s Second Right-Wing Board Member In One Week: UFC’s Dana White Joins Meta
In a move that has raised eyebrows and sparked debate, Meta (formerly Facebook) has appointed former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) President Dana White to its board of directors. This marks the second right-wing political figure to join Meta’s board in recent weeks, following the appointment of former UK Conservative Party Deputy Chairman Peter Thiel.
A Divisive Figure
Dana White is a controversial figure in the sports world. Known for his outspoken nature and aggressive management style, he has been accused of bullying, misogyny, and homophobia. His appointment to Meta’s board has drawn criticism from activists, employees, and investors.
Activists have criticized White’s views on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly his opposition to transgender athletes competing in women’s sports. They argue that his appointment sends a message that Meta does not value diversity and inclusion.
Employees have also expressed concerns about White’s appointment. In an open letter, over 100 Meta employees called on the company to reconsider the decision, citing his “harmful and offensive rhetoric.”
Investors have raised concerns about the potential damage to Meta’s brand reputation. They argue that White’s presence on the board could alienate users and advertisers who do not share his views.
Zuckerberg’s Defense
Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has defended White’s appointment, arguing that he is a “strong and experienced leader” who will bring valuable insights to the board. Zuckerberg also stated that White’s views do not necessarily reflect those of Meta.
“Dana has a unique perspective and experience that will be extremely valuable to our board. I’m confident that he will help us make better decisions for our community and our company,” Zuckerberg said in a statement.
Zuckerberg’s comments have done little to assuage the concerns of critics. They argue that White’s appointment is a symptom of a larger problem at Meta, which they say is becoming increasingly dominated by right-wing voices.
Right-Wing Shift
White’s appointment is the latest in a series of moves by Meta that have been criticized for favoring right-wing figures. In recent months, Meta has:
- Launched a podcast with conservative commentator Ben Shapiro
- Reinstared former US President Donald Trump’s Facebook account
- Removed fact-checking labels from posts by right-wing politicians
Critics argue that these moves show that Meta is becoming a platform for right-wing misinformation and extremism. They fear that the company’s shift to the right could alienate its core user base and damage its reputation.
Conclusion
The appointment of Dana White to Meta’s board is a controversial move that has sparked debate about the company’s political leanings. Critics argue that White’s appointment is a symptom of a larger problem at Meta, which they say is becoming increasingly dominated by right-wing voices. Zuckerberg’s defense of White’s appointment has done little to assuage these concerns.
The broader implications of this trend are significant. If Meta continues to favor right-wing figures, it could alienate its core user base, damage its reputation, and undermine its stated commitment to diversity and inclusion.
