Tech Brew Ride Home · Thursday, September 10, 2026
Matt Mullenweg, founder of Automattic, has a history of legal battles and internal controversies. The company is involved in a protracted legal dispute with WP Engine, and Mullenweg previously implemented a policy allowing employees to quit with severance if they disagreed with him, resulting in 159 departures.
“Over the past few years, Mullenweg and the company have been mired in lawsuits and controversy. The company is in a protracted legal battle with WP Engine, a WordPress web hosting competitor.”
“Tensions became so high under Mullenweg's leadership that he told employees in 2024 to quit with severance if they disagreed with him, and 159 did so.”