WP Engine hits Automattic CEO with cease and desist following “cancer” comments
WordPress co-founder Matt Mullenweg had heavily criticized WP Engine
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WP Engine’s lawyers have issued acease and desist letterto Automattic after the latter’s CEO criticized the company for profiting from the WordPress project without giving back.
Speaking at the WordCamp US Summit, Matt Mullenweg described WP Engine as a“cancer to WordPress”for exploiting the open-source project.
WP Engine’s lawyers have now revealed Mullenweg’s comments came in response to the CEO’s failed attempt to coerce WP Engine into paying Automattic millions to license the WordPress trademark in the runup to his keynote.
WP Engine hits back at Automattic CEO’s “cancer” comments
“Today WP Engine sent what is called a “cease and desist” letter to Automattic demanding that Automattic and its CEO Matt Mullenweg stop making and retract false, harmful and disparaging statements against WP Engine," the company confirmed in a post onX.
It also responded to accusations that WP Engine has not contributed sufficiently to the open-source project, adding that it has contributed tens of millions of dollars through events, sponsorships and the development of educational resources.
The company claimed Mullenweg wanted to launch a “scorched earth nuclear approach” if WP Engine were to fail to hand over tens of millions. Its lawyers also uncover a call between Automattic CFO Mark Davies and a WP Engine board member, alleging that Davies warned Automattic would “go to war.”
The letter from WP Engine’s lawyers also shows extracts of threatening emails sent from Mullenweg days before the event, indicative of his “nuclear” approach.
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WP Engine and its lawyers are now demanding that Mullenweg and Automattic “cease and desist from disparaging WP Engine and/or its investor by making false factual statements” as well as remove false statements from public channels.
Automattic directed us to theirresponse.
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With several years’ experience freelancing in tech and automotive circles, Craig’s specific interests lie in technology that is designed to better our lives, including AI and ML, productivity aids, and smart fitness. He is also passionate about cars and the decarbonisation of personal transportation. As an avid bargain-hunter, you can be sure that any deal Craig finds is top value!
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