Matt Mullenweg says ongoing WP Engine lawsuits could force WordPress closure

The WordPress community is currently embroiled in a dramatic showdown between its co-founder, Matt Mullenweg, and a major hosting provider, WP Engine. This isn’t just a tech squabble; it’s a months-long battle that is now threatening to shake the very foundations of the open-source platform that powers millions of websites worldwide.

Last year, Mullenweg, CEO of Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, launched a fierce attack on WP Engine, accusing them of “free-riding” on WordPress’ success without contributing back to its development. He even went as far as cutting off WP Engine from essential WordPress resources, a move that sent shockwaves through the WordPress ecosystem.

WP Engine, understandably, didn’t take this lying down. They filed a lawsuit against Mullenweg and Automattic, alleging abuse of power and anti-competitive behavior. The legal battle is ongoing, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.

In a recent public statement, Mullenweg dropped a bombshell: the ongoing legal battles could potentially bankrupt him or force the closure of WordPress.org itself. This chilling declaration has ignited further outrage within the community, with many questioning the wisdom of Mullenweg’s aggressive tactics.

The latest spat began when Rodolfo Melogli, a WooCommerce developer and founder of Business Bloomer, took to social media platform X to air his grievances. Melogli’s heartfelt plea emphasized the need for stability, transparency, and a halt to the seemingly perpetual drama that has left many in the WordPress ecosystem feeling unsettled.

Melogli, who has contributed countless resources to the community over the years, highlighted the toll these disruptions take on developers, freelancers, and small agencies. His message resonated widely, gaining significant traction and support from others in the WordPress space, including Katie Keith of Barn2 Plugins. The community’s call for clarity and collaboration was loud and clear.

However, the response from Mullenweg was less than reassuring. He pointed out that the lawsuits, initiated by WP Engine, could drag on for years and might even lead to the closure of WordPress.org. This dire warning was met with a mix of sympathy and skepticism. Some users are adamant that Mullenweg’s actions had contributed to the lawsuits and suggested that a change in approach might mitigate the situation. On the other hand, some support Mullenweg’s stance, arguing that WP Engine needs to contribute more to the open-source project.

Developers, freelancers, and small agencies who rely heavily on WordPress for their livelihoods are particularly anxious. The uncertainty surrounding the future of WordPress is creating a climate of fear and instability, hindering their ability to build and grow their businesses.

The legal tussle between WordPress and WP Engine has been a focal point of recent tensions. WP Engine’s decision to initiate legal action was driven by the need to protect their own stability, which they felt was threatened by Mullenweg’s decisions. This conflict has only deepened the rift within the WordPress community, even leading to the exodus of thousands of WordPress sites from WP Engine and the potential for a WordPress fork.

The sustainability of WordPress has also come into question. The recent disbanding of the WordPress Sustainability Team, following controversies involving Mullenweg, added another layer of complexity to an already fraught situation. These developments have left many wondering about the future of WordPress and the impact on its vast user base.

Despite the turmoil, Mullenweg remains steadfast, insisting that his actions are aimed at protecting the long-term health of WordPress. Yet, the community’s patience is wearing thin. Some users advocate for drastic measures, including forking WordPress, to escape the current quagmire. Others urge a return to business as usual, hoping the drama will eventually subside.

But it’s clear that the WordPress drama is far from over. The legal battles are likely to continue for months, if not years, and the outcome remains uncertain.