The fitness company Peloton has blocked users from using hashtags reading “Let’s go Brandon” after several users started putting the phrase in their personal profiles.
The company banned the use of the tag, claiming the phrase violated their guidelines, PJ Media reported .
“Hateful , offensive, or obscene speech is strictly forbidden on the Peloton Service,” the company’s guidelines read. “This includes any leaderboard names, locations, profile pictures, Tags or any other User Content that promotes, relates to, or condones lack of respect, discrimination, or violence of any kind against individuals or groups based on age, ethnicity/culture, race, nationality, immigration status, disability status, physical ability, gender or gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, veteran status, body shape, socio-economic status, or political affiliation.”
The “Let’s go Brandon” phrase has spread like wildfire over the past month as a euphemism for the phrase “F*** Joe Biden .” It has been used to protest the Biden administration by sports fans, musicians, and even politicians across the United States.
The hashtags #StopTheSteal and #TrumpWon were also reportedly removed from the platform earlier this year, according to PJ Media.
Peloton introduced user tags in 2020 to “provide a more robust way for our Members to connect with one another through shared interests or identity,” the company website says . Users are able to select tags or create their own to connect with the users in the Peloton community who use similar tags. The company says that the feature was “inspired by the sub-communities that came together online as a result of Members connecting over shared interests.”
Peloton said that it has “a zero tolerance policy against divisive, explicit, or other content that violates our policies.”
“We welcome Members from all walks of life to represent themselves through their Tags or by having thoughtful conversations in our groups,” Peloton explained in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “However, we have a zero tolerance policy against divisive, explicit, or other content that violates our policies. We actively moderate our channels and have removed Tags that span the political spectrum, while still allowing Members to express themselves using Tags like #WomenForTrump.”
Some conservative users have spoken out against the ban.
“They force every left-wing thing down your throat and we can’t have a ‘Let’s Go Brandon’?” Peloton user Shannon said.
“For a company who claims to be so inclusive, they sure do alienate a big portion of its members,” Peloton user Stephanie said. “Attempting to silence our voices will not silence us. It will only grow our will to speak louder.”
Employees at Peloton were reportedly made to take anti-racist training earlier this year .
Source: The Washington Examiner
