Nevada jury awards ousted Parler CEO $11M in conspiracy case

A Nevada jury awarded former Parler CEO John Matze $11.08 million on Friday, finding that financier Rebekah Mercer conspired to unlawfully take his company shares. The award includes $10.83 million for his equity and $250,000 in punitive damages. Matze’s ouster followed the Jan. 6, 2021, Capitol attack, when critics said rioters used the app, leading to Parler’s removal from major tech platforms. Jurors found NDMAscendant, Mercer’s company, breached Parler’s operating agreement and conspired to convert Matze’s membership units. Matze’s attorney, Todd Bice, called the verdict vindication, saying his client bore no blame for the company’s turmoil. With interest since 2021, Bice expects the total to reach about $16 million. Mercer and her attorneys declined to comment.