It is no secret that Eventbrite hates conservatives. The event management and ticketing platform has removed events put on by conservatives left and right, including Matt Walsh, Young America's Foundation, and the Independent Women's Network, just to name a few. They always cite 'policy violations,' but what they really mean is 'wrongthink.'
So, it should come as no surprise that Eventbrite removed an upcoming event planned by swimmer and women's rights advocate Riley Gaines, for the 'policy violation' of ... saying that men shouldn't be allowed in women's private spaces. Uhh, OK.
But then the fur truly started to fly last night when Outkick asked Eventbrite why Riley Gaines isn't allowed on their platform, but pro-Hamas groups are.
We asked @eventbrite why. They had no comment. pic.twitter.com/OEHu7c7BkG
— OutKick (@Outkick) October 25, 2023
From the Outkick article:
The leadership team at Eventbrite is steadfast that women should share their locker rooms with men who call themselves 'women.' Thus, groups are not allowed to support a traditional view of female athletics or to protest the advent of transgenderism on the site.
But what is allowed, and apparently not hateful, at Eventbrite is the advertising of rallies that spread the messaging from the terrorist group Hamas. Today, Eventbrite users can sign up to attend an event on Nov. 1 called 'Stop the Genocide! Free Palestine!' at The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender Community Center in New York City.
The latter 'Free Palestine' event describes the situation in Gaza as follows:
Early on Saturday, October 7th, Palestinian resistance fighters broke through Israel’s siege of Gaza. In response, Israel has declared total war against the people of Gaza, completely cutting off access to food, water, and electricity, while bombing the Strip and killing entire families. This attack on Gaza takes place after 75 years of settler-colonial violence conducted by the Israeli state. This panel will explore the historical context that led to the current moment, the dynamics currently at play, and the possibilities for building international solidarity for Palestinian liberation.
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'Resistance fighters'? Really? That description could have been written by the leader of Hamas.
The event also uses the following header image:
How peaceful. How not filled with 'hateful conduct.'
Eventbrite co-founder Kevin Hartz responded to Outkick's question with the following tweet. So professional of him:
Beg your pardon, but you are being called pro-Hamas because the event you are promoting on your site is explicitly pro-Hamas. See how that works, Kev?
But Hartz's bad night was just beginning. Enter Clay Travis, founder of Outkick.
Kevin, appreciate you responding to @outkick so eloquently. Can you explain why you allow pro-terrorist ticketing at your company & not a pro-women’s event with @Riley_Gaines_? And while you’re here, do you believe men should be able to win women’s sports championships? Thanks. https://t.co/2sTJoMd3d7
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 26, 2023
And Gaines herself joined the discussion as well.
Noticed co-founder of Eventbrite @kevinhartz defended himself when accused of being pro-terrorism but not when accused of being anti-woman.
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) October 25, 2023
When someone reveals themselves, believe them. https://t.co/FpoHK0fxJZ
Hartz decided to respond to this also because ... well because he is not a smart man.
Oh wow @riley_gaines - the Fox article has been modified and all the factual errors removed?? I'm not a baby butcher now? That is just beneath you and so disappointing. You ruin your own cause when you dramatically misfire then cover up. uggh.
— Kevin Hartz (@kevinhartz) October 26, 2023
And, of course, Gaines owned him again. It's easy to do when the facts are on your side.
Both the Fox and Outkick articles are still up & neither of them have changed a single word.
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) October 26, 2023
Direct question for you, Kevin: why was my event removed? And if you believe women deserve fair competition, safety, and privacy, will you restore it?
Shouldn't be hard to answer. https://t.co/ow54i0aXlz
Hartz -- who clearly never studied the first rule of holes -- then decided he would dig even deeper with Travis and try to hide behind a libel claim, thus demonstrating he has no idea what that legal term means.
@ClayTravis are you not able to read what you are referencing? Try looking up the word "Libel". I can break it down for you in clearer language - FAKE NEWS. Get some facts and come back, and we can have a conversation.
— Kevin Hartz (@kevinhartz) October 26, 2023
We're pretty sure that Hartz did not know who he was talking to here. Or maybe he was drunk.
I went to law school, Kevin. I’m familiar with libel. But thanks for the Twitter tutorial. Since you continue to dodge simple questions, where’s the link to the @Riley_Gaines_ event and why do you continue to allow pro-Hamas events and not pro-women events? https://t.co/n3LEjrbGn4
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) October 26, 2023
It's like Keith Olberman all over again 😭😂
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) October 26, 2023
Kevin, buddy, stop digging https://t.co/Y8XfECeGBz
— Corporal Punishment (@CplPunishment_) October 26, 2023
At this point, it seemed that Hartz knew he was in way over his head, but the damage was done.
Lmao this guy just nuked his entire company in two tweets 😂. Absolutely love to see it. https://t.co/iFMpLjka2J
— Y◎K◎ // (@Y0K0S0N) October 26, 2023
But, of course, it was Gaines who had the last laugh.
I love all the people in my comments saying they've deleted their Eventbrite account. Give 'em the Bud Light treatment
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) October 26, 2023
🚨Newsflash: being a woman and advocating for such isn't a hate crime.🚨 pic.twitter.com/EQmh2JbcF1
Another newsflash is that -- just like Bud Light, Target, and many more -- no one actually needs Eventbrite. It is a convenience and nothing more. And we think Eventbrite might be about to find out just how much people don't need them.
— ♠️Audsauce♠️ (@Audjuice9989) October 26, 2023
It was a tag team smackdown indeed, from both Gaines and Travis.
And to think, Eventbrite could have prevented the whole thing by just acknowledging basic biology (what a woman is) and basic humanity (not supporting pro-terrorism events).
Oh, well. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes. We've canceled our Eventbrite account too.
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