Linda Yaccarino slams report alleging X threatened advertisers
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X CEO Linda Yaccarino addresses a crowd onstage at an Axios event in Cannes, France. Photo: Nicolas Gavet on behalf of Axios
X CEO Linda Yaccarino dismissed a recent Wall Street Journal report that alleged the social media company had threatened to sue advertisers that didn't buy ads on the platform.
- When asked whether the report was true at an Axios event on Monday in Cannes, Yaccarino responded, "Does anyone still read that publication?"
Why it matters: X has been trying to revitalize its advertising business, which took a hit after Elon Musk bought the company in 2022.
What they're saying: Yaccarino instead touted X's growth, product pipeline and its AI-powered timeline.
- "So what I would say is that what we're here to talk about today, probably what fuels this type of salacious clickbait article, is the historic turnaround — historic because many predicted that we wouldn't be in the position as we are today," she said.
- She added the facts were "painfully absent" from the report and repeatedly slammed the publication.
Catch up quick: The WSJ reported last week that X pressured advertisers, including Verizon, Ralph Lauren and Pinterest, to spend on its platform.
- The outlet, which cited conversations with at least two dozen sources, said at least six companies struck ad deals after receiving lawsuit threats or pressure from X.
- "And what was also surprising to me, really disappointing, was that there were no named sources, and there were some random third parties that commented," Yaccarinio said. "And what is really, you know, interesting to me, is that, you know, is that where journalism has us today?"
- A WSJ spokesperson said in a statement to Axios, "We stand by our reporting, which is well-sourced, reliable and factual, no matter how inconvenient it may be. And as a paper of record for business and financial news, many people do, in fact, still read The Wall Street Journal; we had more than 4.3 million subscriptions at last check."
Zoom out: X has sued several brands, accusing them of illegally boycotting the platform.
- It has also sued liberal watchdog group Media Matters, alleging defamation over a report on ads running next to pro-Nazi content on X, which helped trigger an advertiser exodus.
What to watch: X owner Elon Musk's recent retreat from Washington has led to speculation over how he will spread his free time among his portfolio of companies.
- Yaccarino said Musk "never wasn't involved" with X, when asked whether she expects him to spend more time with X now that his time as a special government employee has ended.
