WordPress Contributors and Community Leaders Call for Governance Reform in Rare Open Letter

In an open letter titled “Dear WordPress community: We stand with you,” the contributors raise objections about governance, transparency, and decision-making processes. They highlight concerns about “double standards,” including Mullenweg’s lack of accountability under the project’s Code of Conduct and the executive director’s direct employment by Automattic.

Another long-time core committer pointed to the emotional and practical toll of recent events on contributors. “I signed largely because of the lack of public recognition by WordPress leadership of the impact to the WordPress project and hurt that Matt’s actions have caused to the folks, largely volunteers, who help to make WordPress,” they said. “Matt’s pattern of actions, and how they’ve been affecting the community, are not new, and I’m glad that changes for project governance are being more openly discussed. My hope is that, more than just objection, the letter will create conversations to find ways forward, to make the WordPress project a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable place.”

Others raised concerns about the personal risks of speaking out, including potential repercussions such as being blocked from contributing to WordPress, which would impact livelihoods. In November, The Repository reported on this “culture of fear” and the potential career-ending consequences of opposing Mullenweg, particularly for sponsored contributors.