White supremacist and neo-Nazi Gab CEO Andrew Torba has received a harsh backlash on his own platform, which is a safe haven for neo-Nazis and white supremacists, in response to new Gab updates. Some users say that Torba is after users' money and that "Gab is a cash burning scam" that "rips off investors." Many Gab users often argue that Gab is not actually a "free speech platform" as touted by Torba, but instead that Torba bans anyone who disagrees with him.
On June 5, 2023, Torba announced on his platform that Gab is seeking investors, stating: "Gab Community, Gab is raising an investment round under Regulation Crowdfunding rules on the VC Cross platform! You can visit our VC Cross funding portal to learn more about the offering and how to invest here: vccross.com/project/invest-in-gab."[1] Neo-Nazis responded by calling him a traitor and hoping for the downfall of Torba and his platform.[2] Users on Gab and the "Fediverse" accused Torba of betrayal, and asserted that the platform would be controlled by Jews and federal agents, calling it a "sinking ship," a "a solid way to gain intel."
Other Gab users called Torba a "fraud" and a "slimy little crypto kike," and warned "Torba just wants your money." Some users noted his reportedly Turkish origins: "Torba is Turkish, Turks and Jews always deceive Whites." This conspiracy theory most likely stems from Gab cofounder Ekrem Büyükkaya, who is based in Istanbul, and its former chief operating officer, Utsav Sanduja, who says on his Twitter account that he is an "India Analyst." Both left the company in 2018 – Sanduja prior to the the Tree of Life attack, after Gab users threatened his life and that of his wife who worked at a synagogue, and Büyükkaya immediately afterward. Users have argued that Torba is not is "not a true Christian, but is a hypocrite narcissist who manipulates people for his religious standards to deceive us that if we attack Torba we are attacking Jesus," and that he "promotes evil."
Torba testified during the trial of Robert Bowers, who in June 2023 was found guilty of killing 11 people and wounded six at the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh in October 2018. Before the attack, Bowers was active on Gab. Torba has testified that antisemitic speech is allowed on Gab so long as it does not violate the First Amendment. On August 2, 2023, Gab users reacted to reports that Bowers had been sentenced to death, writing: "fuck the Jews – Robert Bowers will be a martyr" saying that Bowers "needs a federal holiday" and thanked and applauded him.
A graphic featuring Torba holding the severed head of the "Twitter" bird, shared to Torba's Gab account on April 16, 2022.
The following report will review posts by Gab users' harshly criticizing Torba and his actions. They include hostile reactions to Gab's call for investments, general commentary about Torba as dishonest, discussion about him not being a "true Christian," and some reactions from Gab users about Robert Bowers being sentenced to death.
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Another user wrote: "If you are stuck in gabs false dichotomies here, it seems like something a computer would say below. Torba is turkish, turks and jews always deceive Whites."
A Gab user posted a message along with a link to a webpage titled: "Andrew Torba Falsely Claims That Anyone Who Criticizes Or Exposes Him Is Attacking Jesus." The post reads: "I don't know what you Christians are going to react on this, but it is time to realize that @a/Andrew Torba is not a true Christian, but is a hypocrite narcissist who manipulates people for his religious standards to deceive us that if we attack Torba we are attacking Jesus... I notice that Andrew Torba is a catholic narcissist based on that if you post anything good about gab that you get reposted by the gab group like gab is the best thing since slice bread and if you said that gab is not the best thing since slice bread and has some flaws then the gab group and Torba would look down on you like the boogie man like his gab has to be 100% great, which it cannot be 100% great especially if a narcisisst runs it. I know that this post could ruffle some feathers, but it is to separate the wheat from the tars to separate those who are seeking truth and those who are religious and believe in Torba's lies and manipulation tactics. We are to worship Jesus and obey Him not Torba not through a carnal man image. This post might get kicked off from the group, but we must realize that Torba should not be the example of who Christians must be."
Another user wrote: "@a Andrew Torba is a gaslighting SOB using the gospel to divide and spread hate. I will pray for you. Romans 12:19 KJV Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord."
A Gab user wrote: "I’ll tell you why they appear to be winning arguments, is because they block or hide everyone that destroys theirs. Any typical person that has any since that creates an account here leaves rapidly, because most things promoted here are just as insane as the 'left'. I'm just one of many blocked by free speech professing CEO himself, along with a large chunk of his promoted influencers who preach the same. Only 2 options here. 1) Torba is intentionally seeking to promote evil 2) Torba is blind and is promoting evil. Either way he is doing it in Christ name and thinks part truth is better than a full lie. This isn’t a free speech platform, nor freedom of reach thats claimed to be so evil by Torba when any other platform does it. Torba is a liar and spreads lies."
A user wrote: "Gab is not a free White haven, it's just all that's left. How is this a free speech platform? We get Shadowbanning, banning of the ultra-based Pro-Whites, Torba promoting dumb MAGA shit, grifting wahmenz, christcucks and approved kikes like Laura Loomer and Roger Stone, he sold our meta-data to kikes. Wake me when gab isn't dominated by kosher MAGA christ-tards all over the explore page."
A Gab user wrote: "Countdown to the SEC charging Torba with securities fraud."
Another user wrote: "Irony: Torba banging on about free speech on Gab, and then blocking me because he doesn't like my speech."
A user wrote: "I've said it before but narcissism is just completely lost on this guy."
Another user wrote about the trial of Robert Bowers: "Torba testified last month (Jun 12) about Gab's role in the Tree of Life shooting by Bowers. Under oath, Torba testified that he posted anti-semetic content (indirectly by avoiding the question - he was asked if he posted anti-semetic content, and replied 'I'm Christian Sir, I don't lie.' This is in itself not proper decorum, as you wouldn't address a prosecuting attorney with "Sir", but whatever.) Firstly, he didn't post shit about this, just pictures of puppies and sunsets. Secondly, Bowers has been found guilty on all charges. I don't think it's outside the realm of possibility that this thread will be picked up, and Torba himself could come under scrutiny for inciting terrorism. This case could become a real test of the First Amendment.."
[1] For more on Gab, see MEMRI DTTM report: "Andrew Torba, Founder Of Gab Platform, Popular With Neo-Nazis, White Supremacists, Circulates COVID-19 Vaccine Religious Exemption Documents, Some Specialized For Use By Military Members, Calls On Followers To Customize Them According To Their Needs: 'The Full Document Is Everything Necessary For A US Army Soldier To Submit A Religious Exception Request To His Immediate Commander, With Only Certain Portions Needing To Be Edited To Include Your Name, Unit, And Details'," August 3, 2021; Gab.com/a/posts/110493286078144697, June 5, 2023.
[2] For full report, see MEMRI DTTM report, " After Gab Launches Funding Campaign With 'Venture Capital Cross,' Neo-Nazis On Gab And 'Fediverse' React By Accusing Gab CEO Andrew Torba Of Betrayal," June 21, 2023.
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