Matt Mullenweg recently posted on his blog that his freedom of speech has been hindered by a court injunction in the lawsuit brought by WP Engine against him et. al.
Ummmm, I don’t think that the court telling you to STFU is a First Amendment issue.
As I recall, after all I was a professional journalist and went to J-school for 4 years prior, the First Amendment has to do with you and having the government trying to suppress it.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
What I can say, and I’m not a lawyer, is that Matt probably has libeled himself and maybe it can be construed as actual malice. But again, I’m just a former professional journalist who has had to learn how to not get himself sued.
I might actually be a good thing, and I’m not speaking for his lawyers here, for him to be quiet and get through this legal battle.
Another interesting First Amendment discussion is that the Supreme Court has said that Platforms can curate speech as a First Amendment Right. But is Matt Mullenweg, the human, a platform? And also, I do believe, it doesn’t protect against defamation.
Though, with a second read, it looks like Matt is saying that WordPress the platform’s rights have been hindered. Ugh.
Oh the crazy web we weave.
So put the popcorn away everyone. The show appears to be over — for now.