In a notable legal development, an emergency arbitrator has issued a temporary ban on the former director of global public policy at Meta, Sarah Wynn-Williams, preventing her from promoting her recently published memoir, Careless People.

Details on the Memoir

Released in the UK on March 13 and in the US on March 11 by Pan Macmillan and Flatiron Books respectively, Careless People explores the controversial practices and ethical choices made by Meta’s leadership during Wynn-Williams’ tenure. The memoir claims to offer “bombshell revelations” regarding the company’s aggressive growth strategies.

The book discusses serious allegations, including claims of sexual harassment and inappropriate conduct within the organizational structure of Meta, which a spokesperson for the tech giant denounced as “out-of-date and false.”

Legal Proceedings and Rulings

On March 12, an emergency arbitration decision concluded that Meta had established valid reasons to believe that Wynn-Williams may have breached her nondisparagement agreement with the corporation. The arbitrator determined that in the absence of immediate injunction, Meta could face “immediate and irreparable loss.”

As a result, Wynn-Williams is prohibited from making any negative remarks about Meta, whether in writing, verbally, or through other means. The ruling further extends to her ability to promote Careless People, restricting her from participating in book tours or any promotional activities, including digital formats of the book.

Publisher’s Response

Despite the legal constraints placed on the author, Pan Macmillan has indicated its intention to continue publishing the memoir. A spokesperson emphasized their commitment to freedom of speech and Wynn-Williams’ right to narrate her experiences: “Careless People is a first-person narrative account of what the author herself witnessed during seven years at Meta.” They acknowledged the legal challenges that have hindered Wynn-Williams’ involvement in the book’s publicity.