Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-Mo., is confronting Eventbrite for its \u2018liberal-progressive agenda to silence and unpublish events that express conservative viewpoints,\u2019 after the event management company pulled tickets to a Riley Gaines speaking tour it claimed did not align with its community guidelines.<\/p>\n
In a letter directed to Eventbrite CEO Julia Hartz Friday, Schmitt questioned the ticket-selling platform\u2019s reasoning for removing Gaines\u2019 event from its website.<\/p>\n
Schmitt also accused the platform of being hypocritical in its claim Gaines\u2019 event violated \u2018community guidelines and terms of service,\u2019 while it continued to promote anti-Israel protests across the country.<\/p>\n
\u2018It is worth noting that while this type of content is being removed from your platform, other events featuring individuals who have expressed deeply antisemitic views comparing Israel to Nazi Germany and others who are prominent supporters of the BDS movement against Israel are allowed to host or speak at events listed on Eventbrite,\u2019 the Republican senator wrote.<\/p>\n
While Gaines\u2019 event was removed from Eventbrite, ticket sales for anti-Israel protests remain active, such as \u2018Tempest NYC,\u2019 an upcoming event that calls to \u2018Stop the Genocide! Free Palestine!\u2019<\/p>\n
In seeking further information on the process of removing an event, Schmitt demanded Eventbrite provide \u2018a complete list of events that Eventbrite has unpublished for violation of its terms of service and reasoning for unpublishing those events.\u2019<\/p>\n
The senator also requested \u2018a complete list of organizations who have hosted an event on Eventbrite\u2019s platform.\u2019<\/p>\n
Schmitt questioned whether the event management website gives the public the ability to flag events and whether Eventbrite takes those complaints into consideration when choosing to remove events.<\/p>\n
Schmitt said \u2018one\u2019s right to free speech must be protected.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u2018The free exchange of ideas is the lifeblood of our Constitutional Republic, and one\u2019s right to free speech must be protected,\u2019 the Republican senator said. \u2018Whether one disagrees with events listed on your platform or the views of an individual hosting an event on your platform, the ability for Americans \u2014 particularly on college campuses \u2014 to engage in open dialogue about the issues facing the world today is vital.<\/p>\n
\u2018Eventbrite appears to be selectively applying or hiding behind its community guidelines and terms of service to promote a liberal-progressive agenda to silence and unpublish events that express conservative viewpoints that you may disagree with.\u2019<\/p>\n
Schmitt echoed criticism by GOP Texas lawmaker Ted Cruz, who posted on X, formerly known as Twitter: \u2018Americans need to stop giving money to woke corporations that hate them. @eventbrite\u2019s idiotic policies allow pro-Hamas rallies but ban people who hold the radical belief that women exist. They should get the FULL Bud Light treatment.\u2019<\/p>\n
When Gaines headlined her tour at Penn State earlier this month, it ended in two arrests after protests broke out between attendees and one heckler flipped a table.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Gaines\u2019 first stop for her November college tour advocating for women\u2019s rights in sports is scheduled for the University of California, Davis. Information about the \u2018Protecting Women\u2019s Sports with Riley Gaines\u2019 event was listed on Eventbrite until being pulled Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u2018By allowing pro-terrorist and antisemitic groups to keep their scheduled events on the Eventbrite platform, but canceling events discussing the importance of ensuring the safety, fairness and equal opportunities for women, Eventbrite has sent a clear message to all. Eventbrite is the epitome of organizations taking a stand against women and our basic human rights,\u2019 Gaines told Fox News Digital after finding out about the event removal.<\/p>\n
Gaines previously said in a statement sent to Fox News Digital, \u2018If being pro-woman in woman\u2019s sports is deemed anti-trans, then being pro-trans in woman\u2019s sports is inherently anti-woman. And that is the stand Eventbrite has taken. The event at UC Davis is still going to take place next month. My speech will not be stifled.\u2019<\/p>\n
According to Eventbrite Trust & Safety, the event violated the company\u2019s \u2018community guidelines and terms of service.\u2019<\/p>\n