John Matze Legal Support Fund
Donation protected
I founded the social media platform Parler as a space for free speech and privacy for all people around the world. I dedicated three years of my life building tens of thousands of lines of code as well as endless hours, travels, and personal sacrifices.
During my time at Parler I worked tirelessly to provide a platform of genuinely free speech, regardless of viewpoint or partisanship, and I lived and breathed the beliefs alongside many of the community. We shared mutual respect for one another and held discussion over our viewpoints. Many of us came together over our disagreements and, by pursuing open discussion, we were all able to make the best decisions as a society.
Earlier this year on January 6th, the events at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC were unfairly attributed to Parler, because it fit a convenient narrative. However, as the facts were uncovered, it was clear Parler had little to do with the organization of the January 6th events at the Capitol.
Nevertheless, Parler was abruptly shut down by Amazon, Apple, and Google. Unfortunately, my relationship with Parler ended soon after. I am now in litigation with Parler and others over what happened next. I also am likely heading into a congressional investigation into Parler, and it is uncertain whether Parler will indemnify me for the inevitable costs of defending this investigation.. I believe in transparency and Congress has asked for information that the public also wants to know. I plan to cooperate fully with Congress and tell the truth, but with legal counsel.
The funds from this GoFundMe will cover:
- Legal fees associated with the congressional inquiry;
- Security costs, travel costs and other legal costs associated with potential congressional hearings; and
- Repayment for any legal fees associated with defense and prosecution of ongoing litigation and negotiations.
None of these funds will be used to pay for my legal fees in a case in which I am plaintiff in the event I recover damages in that case sufficient to pay those fees. And, any unused proceeds will be donated to a non-profit with the mission of defending digital privacy online.
Edit for clarification:
During my time at Parler I worked tirelessly to provide a platform of genuinely free speech, regardless of viewpoint or partisanship, and I lived and breathed the beliefs alongside many of the community. We shared mutual respect for one another and held discussion over our viewpoints. Many of us came together over our disagreements and, by pursuing open discussion, we were all able to make the best decisions as a society.
Earlier this year on January 6th, the events at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, DC were unfairly attributed to Parler, because it fit a convenient narrative. However, as the facts were uncovered, it was clear Parler had little to do with the organization of the January 6th events at the Capitol.
Nevertheless, Parler was abruptly shut down by Amazon, Apple, and Google. Unfortunately, my relationship with Parler ended soon after. I am now in litigation with Parler and others over what happened next. I also am likely heading into a congressional investigation into Parler, and it is uncertain whether Parler will indemnify me for the inevitable costs of defending this investigation.. I believe in transparency and Congress has asked for information that the public also wants to know. I plan to cooperate fully with Congress and tell the truth, but with legal counsel.
The funds from this GoFundMe will cover:
- Legal fees associated with the congressional inquiry;
- Security costs, travel costs and other legal costs associated with potential congressional hearings; and
- Repayment for any legal fees associated with defense and prosecution of ongoing litigation and negotiations.
None of these funds will be used to pay for my legal fees in a case in which I am plaintiff in the event I recover damages in that case sufficient to pay those fees. And, any unused proceeds will be donated to a non-profit with the mission of defending digital privacy online.
Edit for clarification:
$30,000 will go to help me pay for my legal fees already accrued associated with severance discussions with Parler. No severance was reached. The other proceeds will go towards a prepaid retainer to my council who will represent me to congress in the event this materializes. If it does not, the proceeds will go to the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF).
Organizer
John Matze
Organizer
Henderson, NV