Ye’s deal to buy conservative social media app Parler is called off

Ye’s deal to buy conservative social media app Parler is called off


This illustration photo shows the Parler social network app logo on a cell phone screen with a picture of US rapper Kanye West in the background in Los Angeles, October 17, 2022.

Chris Delmas | AFP | Getty Images

Conservative social media company Parler said Thursday its deal to be bought by Ye has been called off.

The rapper, formerly known as Kanye West, agreed to buy the app in October for an undisclosed amount. Ye has made repeated and public antisemitic comments in recent months, and several business partnerships involving the musician have been terminated.

“The company has mutually agreed with Ye to terminate the intent of sale of Parler,” the app’s parent company said in a statement to CNBC. “This decision was made in the interest of both parties in mid-November. Parler will continue to pursue future opportunities for growth and the evolution of the platform for our vibrant community.”

Parler has attempted to position itself as a right-wing alternative to Twitter, which suspended Ye’s account shortly before he announced his intent to buy Parler.

“In a world where conservative opinions are considered to be controversial, we have to make sure we have the right to freely express ourselves,” Ye said at the time in a statement released by Parler.

Ye’s Twitter account has since been restored, and he’s continued to spread hateful comments toward Jewish people. Twitter’s new owner, Elon Musk, has emphasized the platform’s commitment to free speech.

Earlier this fall, retailers Gap and Adidas ended their dealings with Ye and his Yeezy clothing line. Ye expressed discontent with the partnerships, saying he wasn’t granted enough creative control over his fashion line.

This story is developing. Please check back for updates.

— CNBC’s Ryan Browne contributed to this report.



Source

Business class+? Delta says segmentation is coming to high-end cabins
Business

Business class+? Delta says segmentation is coming to high-end cabins

Nurphoto | Nurphoto | Getty Images Delta Air Lines is studying new types of airplane tickets — this time in the premium cabins at the front of the plane. Airlines spent years slicing up their coach cabins, from extra legroom seats to bare-bones basic economy fares that don’t allow changes or include a seat assignment. […]

Read More
Trump’s tariffs on Brazil could make your coffee even more expensive
Business

Trump’s tariffs on Brazil could make your coffee even more expensive

President Donald Trump’s proposed 50% tariff on Brazilian imports is bad news for coffee drinkers. Brazil, the largest U.S. supplier of green coffee beans, accounts for about a third of the country’s total supply, according to data from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Coffee beans need to grow in a warm, tropical climate, making Hawaii […]

Read More
Space startup Varda raises 7 million in funding to make drugs in orbit
Business

Space startup Varda raises $187 million in funding to make drugs in orbit

Pavlo Gonchar | Lightrocket | Getty Images Space startup Varda announced on Thursday that it has raised $187 million in Series C funding, led by venture capital firms Natural Capital and Shrug Capital, to continue advancing drug manufacturing in space. The latest round included participation from Peter Thiel, Lux Capital, Khosla Ventures and Caffeinated Capital. […]

Read More