Former executive reveals shocking harassment claims against Meta
- A memoir by Sarah Wynn-Williams about her experiences at Meta has topped bestseller lists despite legal challenges.
- The book contains serious allegations of sexual harassment and unethical practices at Meta.
- The controversy surrounding the memoir highlights ongoing issues of corporate accountability and free speech in the tech industry.
In a controversial memoir released on March 11, 2025, former Meta executive Sarah Wynn-Williams shares her experiences at the tech giant from 2011 to 2017. The book, titled 'Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed and Lost Idealism', quickly rose to the top of the New York Times bestseller list, despite an injunction preventing Wynn-Williams from promoting her work. The injunction was granted based on a non-disparagement agreement she signed while working in Meta’s global affairs team. In her memoir, Wynn-Williams alleges that she faced sexual harassment from prominent executives, including Joel Kaplan, a Republican ally of former President Donald Trump. She accuses Meta of exploring unethical market-entry strategies in China, aiming to appease government censors. This revelation raised serious ethical questions regarding the company’s practices and governance, and it has amplified scrutiny over its leadership integrity. The legal battles surrounding the book further highlight ongoing concerns about Meta's corporate culture, which Wynn-Williams describes as toxic. Her claims suggest significant management issues, including a lack of accountability and support for employees. The media landscape reacted with interest to the memoir, with various publications commenting on its implications for tech companies’ accountability and the treatment of women in their workforce. Despite the backlash and legal ramifications, the increased publicity seems to have fueled her book’s success. Critics argue that Meta's attempt to silence Wynn-Williams speaks to broader issues of corporate censorship, raising alarms over free speech within tech giants. The conditions under which Wynn-Williams was allegedly silenced add depth to discussions about workplace culture in high-pressure environments like Meta, as well as the responsibilities of tech companies to create safe and equitable workspaces for all employees.