Music and fashion mogul Kanye West is reportedly set to buy Parler, the pro-free speech social media service, after being banned on Instagram and Twitter.
News broke this morning that West is in talks to purchase the upstart social media platform that was banned from app stores and by its hosting provider in the aftermath of January 6, 2021.
Since then, Parler has regained its hosting and presence on the app stores by introducing limits on speech designed to appease Apple and Google.
In a Parler post published this morning, Parler said it’s “entered into an agreement in principle for Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, to acquire the Parler platform” and declared that West’s ownership of Parler would ensure Parler has “a future role in creating an uncancelable ecosystem where all voices are welcome.”
Parler CEO George Farmer was quoted saying that “This deal will change the world, and change the way the world thinks about free speech.”
Farmer added, “Ye is making a groundbreaking move into the free speech media space and will never have to fear being removed from social media again.”
Parlement Technologies is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement in principle for Ye, formerly known as Kanye West, to acquire the Parler platform. The acquisition ensures Parler a future role in creating an uncancelable ecosystem where all voices are welcome. pic.twitter.com/KXdhV71prl
— Parler (@parler_app) October 17, 2022
Farmer, a citizen of the United Kingdom and the son of Lord Michael Farmer, is married to American political pundit and conservative activist Candace Owens, who in turn has been friends with West since the rapper endorsed 45th President Donald Trump.
According to Parler’s full press release on the subject, the sale is expected to become final before the end of the year.
“This deal will change the world, and change the way the world thinks about free speech,” wrote Farmer in that release. “Ye is making a groundbreaking move into the free speech media space and will never have to fear being removed from social media again.”
BREAKING: Kanye West to Buy Conservative ‘Free Speech’ App Parler
— Election Wizard ?? (@ElectionWiz) October 17, 2022
“Once again, Ye proves that he is one step ahead of the legacy media narrative. Parlement will be honored to help him achieve his goals.”
While West will be the full owner of the platform, the current management is set to continue “technical support” and “the use of private cloud services” to maintain operations.
West was recently banned from Instagram, then Twitter, where he was accused of spreading anti-Semitism.
Prior to that ban, West wore a “White Lives Matter” shirt to an event with Owens, then declared that Black Lives Matter was a scam, and is now dead.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, West revealed that his support for Trump caused his handlers and ex-wife, Kim Kardashian, to threaten his life.
