Parler sued by co-founder who claims right-wing social platform was ‘hijacked’ by Rebekah Mercer

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Parler co-founder John Matze has sued the conservative social network for wrongfully ousting him from his role as chief executive and stripping his 40% ownership stake following the site’s shutdown in the aftermath of the Capitol insurrection. 

In a lawsuit filed in Nevada this week, Matze alleged that Jeffrey Wernick and Rebekah Mercer, two deep-pocketed investors of the company, forcibly removed him from the company by way of bullying and intimidation. Matze, who accused Parler’s investors and co-founders of seizing his personal property, is seeking “millions” of dollars, according to his complaint. 

“John Matze, the founder of Parler and its former CEO, has commenced suit to vindicate his rights,” said Todd Bice, Matze’s lawyer. “He seeks both compensatory and punitive damages pursuant to his claims.” Continue reading.