WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Eric Schmitt sent a letter demanding answers from the CEO of Eventbrite for the platform’s recent decision to unpublish an event listing hosted by former NCAA swimmer Riley Gaines.
“The free exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of our Constitutional Republic, and one’s right to free speech must be protected,” the letter reads. “Whether one disagrees with events listed on your platform or the views of an individual hosting an event on your platform, the ability for Americans – particularly on college campuses – to engage in open dialogue about the issues facing the world today is vital.
“Unfortunately, under your leadership, Eventbrite seems to disagree with these tenets,” the letter continues. “Instead, Eventbrite appears to be selectively applying or hiding behind its community guidelines and terms of service to promote a liberal-progressive agenda to silence and unpublish events that express conservative viewpoints that you may disagree with.”
BACKGROUND:
- Outkick reported on October 25, 2023 that Eventbrite notified the University of California, Davis – which was set to host Gaines at an event entitled “Protecting Women’s Sports” on November 3, 2023 – that it was unpublishing Gaines’ event from the platform.
- In its notice, Eventbrite informed the university that the listing for the event violated its community guidelines and terms of service by stating “Specifically, we do not allow content or events that – through on- or off-platform activity – discriminate against, harass, disparage, threaten, incite violence against, or otherwise target individuals or groups based on their actual or perceived race, ethnicity, religion, national origin, immigration status, gender identity, sexual orientation, veteran status, age, or disability. As a result, your event has been unpublished.”
- This is not the first instance of Eventbrite targeting events supporting biological women and their views. Earlier this year, Eventbrite also unpublished an event entitled “Let Women Speak,” which was designed to provide a forum for women to share their opinions and advocate for women’s rights and sex-based protections.
- While this type of content is being removed from Eventbrite, other events featuring individuals who have expressed deeply antisemitic views comparing Israel to Nazi Germany and others who are prominent supporters of the BDS movement against Israel are allowed to host or speak at events listed on Eventbrite.