Zuckerberg’s superyacht lands in Seattle as Meta announces big local layoff
The Seattle Times • • business
Key Points:
- Meta announced layoffs of approximately 1,400 employees in King County, affecting around one-sixth of its local workforce, including significant cuts in Seattle, Bellevue, and Redmond offices.
- Shortly after the news broke, Mark Zuckerberg’s 390-foot megayacht, Launchpad, valued at $300 million, arrived in Seattle, drawing public attention and criticism amid the layoffs.
- The yacht, known for its size, speed, and luxury features, was reportedly purchased by Zuckerberg in early 2024, though he has not officially confirmed ownership or his presence onboard.
- Zuckerberg was likely not in Seattle at the time, with reports indicating he was in Monterey, California, while Meta employees faced job cuts in the region.
- Public reaction included online calls for the yacht's departure and criticism of the display of wealth during a period of hardship for Meta workers; Meta and Zuckerberg representatives have not commented on the situation.