Meta has successfully obtained a temporary order to stop one of its former employees, Sarah Wynn-Williams, from promoting her tell-all book, “Careless People.” The book provides a detailed and critical portrayal of Meta, featuring salacious details about its top leaders.
The emergency arbitration ruling by the American Arbitration Association’s Nicholas Gowen concluded that continued promotion of the book would cause Meta “immediate and irreparable loss.”
The ruling also requires Wynn-Williams to take steps to prevent further publication, although it does not impose any demands on the publisher, Macmillan. The decision suggests that Meta is likely to win its case alleging that Wynn-Williams violated a non-disparagement clause.
Meta spokesman Andy Stone interpreted the ruling as affirming the company’s claim that the book is “false and defamatory” and should not have been published. He noted that Wynn-Williams concealed the book project and avoided standard fact-checking processes to rush its release.
Despite Meta’s efforts to suppress the book, some argue that these actions may inadvertently generate more publicity than Wynn-Williams could have achieved otherwise. The book has already been reviewed in major publications, including The New York Times.
The allegations in the book are severe, including claims of sexual harassment and human rights failures. Wynn-Williams alleges that she faced retaliation after reporting harassment by her former boss, Joel Kaplan. She also details interactions with Sheryl Sandberg, including a request to share a bed on a private jet and an instruction to buy lingerie.
Mark Zuckerberg is portrayed in an embarrassing light, with Wynn-Williams recounting his behavior in various situations. Additionally, she alleges that Facebook knowingly allowed hateful content to spread in Myanmar, contributing to violence against the Rohingya ethnic group.
Wynn-Williams has also filed a whistleblower complaint with the Securities and Exchange Commission, arguing that Meta misled investors. Neither Macmillan nor Wynn-Williams responded to requests for comment.
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