X CEO Responds to Advertiser Exodus, Defending Platform Against Antisemitism Claims

In response to a report from a watchdog group triggering a significant exodus of advertisers, X CEO Linda Yaccarino characterized the document as "misleading and manipulated" in a note sent to X employees on Sunday night.

Commitment to Fight Antisemitism, Discrimination

Addressing the temporary suspension of investments by some advertisers, Yaccarino underscored the role of data in uncovering the genuine story. She reiterated the company's clear commitment to combating antisemitism and discrimination, emphasizing the global rejection of such content.

Titled "Our Work is Meaningful," Engadget reported that the note also framed the situation as a free speech issue, asserting that no critic would deter the company from its mission to protect free speech.

This is a stance aligning with X owner Elon Musk's consistent emphasis on the platform's dedication to free speech, despite concerns about rising hate speech since his acquisition of the service last year.

Yaccarino addressed the temporary suspension of investments by certain advertisers, attributing it to what she deemed a "misleading and manipulated article." She emphasized the transparency of X's efforts in combating antisemitism and discrimination, firmly stating that such content has no place anywhere in the world.

Facing mounting pressure from advertisers questioning her commitment to Musk's defense, Yaccarino is reportedly in a precarious position as X CEO, as detailed by Forbes. Undeterred, she reaffirmed her stance in a Monday morning X post, doubling down on her criticism of Media Matters.

In the post, she acknowledged the inevitability of detractors and fabricated distractions when dealing with matters of great consequence. Despite the challenges, Yaccarino expressed unwavering dedication to X's mission and thanked supporters for standing by the platform.

Drawing Accusations Antisemitism

Simultaneously, The Hollywood Reporter Musk faced criticism for a post on Wednesday that drew accusations of antisemitism. Responding to a user's statement on X, Musk acknowledged the perspective shared, expressing disinterest in concerns about Western Jewish populations.

This move occurred in the wake of Musk's public endorsement of an antisemitic conspiracy theory, drawing widespread criticism, including a statement from the White House condemning Musk's post as an "abhorrent promotion of Antisemitic and racist hate" that "runs against our core values as Americans."

Following the Media Matters for America report revealing major brands' ads adjacent to pro-Nazi content on X, prominent advertisers, including IBM, Apple, Disney, Lionsgate, Warner Brothers Discovery, Paramount Global, and NBCUniversal (formerly under Yaccarino's leadership), withdrew their ads from X.

Yaccarino, previously overseeing advertising divisions at NBCUniversal and Turner Broadcasting, joined X in June with the objective of rebuilding advertiser trust.

In her memo, she acknowledged the existence of a "vocal minority" resorting to deceptive attacks to undermine X's work. Nevertheless, she affirmed the platform's resolute commitment to protecting free speech-a principle that Musk has consistently championed since taking charge of the network.