Robbie Starbuck has once again called for a boycott of Harley-Davidson, alleging that the renowned motorcycle manufacturer supports executives who advocate for educational materials on topics like white privilege, gender identity, and intersectionality. He argues that those who purchase Harleys are indirectly funding what he describes as “extremist ideology.”
The conservative figure, well-known for pressuring major companies to reduce their diversity, equity, and inclusion commitments, stated that Harley-Davidson has failed to shift its stance, even after previously indicating it planned to drop its contentious DEI initiatives.
“Today, we regret to inform you that we have to make another disclosure today,” Starbuck said in a social media update on Wednesday.
Harley-Davidson has committed to ending its DEI initiatives by 2024 following pressure from activists, including Starbuck.
In his recent criticism, Starbuck specifically targeted CEO Artie Starrs and Chief Brand Officer Marcus Fisher, accusing them of introducing DEI initiatives and LGBTQ programs at previous organizations under their leadership.
Starbuck urged Harley-Davidson riders to “quit and move on to another brand,” claiming that the company’s leadership is reinforcing a progressive corporate culture, which detracts from the brand’s traditional “masculine” and “pro-American” image.
Starrs took over as CEO of Harley-Davidson after leading Top Golf and serving as the president of Pizza Hut.
Starbuck referenced LGBTQ initiatives during Starrs’ tenure at Topgolf, such as support for an internal pride group and a fundraising golf tournament for San Francisco Pride.
He also mentioned a partnership between Pizza Hut and First Book that focused on anti-racism educational resources while Starrs was with the pizza chain.
Starbuck contended that the materials being pushed forward promote concepts like white privilege and intersectionality, which he disparaged as “communism.”
“Anyone who promotes this vile material to educators and students should not be managing even a small business, much less a global corporation,” he stated.
Starbuck expressed his anger at Fisher, whom he described as one of Starrs’ first significant hires, claiming that Fisher’s prior ad agency was heavily involved in advancing DEI principles.
He pointed out Fisher’s use of pronouns on social media, past discussions about transgender representation, and LGBTQ initiatives at his former agency.
Starbuck claimed that Fisher’s former company initiated a program focused on non-white individuals, which he branded “racist.”
He further criticized Harley-Davidson for sending a representative to the Cannes Film Festival to discuss “stereotypes of masculinity” and for hosting a drag show that raised money for LGBTQ organizations.
“I wish this were a joke,” he lamented. “I can’t believe this guy is the chief brand officer of Harley-Davidson.”
Starbuck suggested that Harley executives might think riders are naive enough to overlook the company’s progressive agenda while continuing to support it.
He urged riders to leave the brand and use their purchasing power to signal their discontent to corporate America.
“Every time I rode my Harley, it felt like I was unwittingly endorsing an extremist ideology,” Starbuck noted, referencing UFC fighter Sean Strickland’s choice to stop riding Harley-Davidson.
Starbuck framed this situation as a challenge to determine whether Harley-Davidson’s appeal lies in the company itself or in the loyalty of its riders.
“I believe the riders are what truly make Harley special and distinctly American,” he argued.
“The more genuine truth is, you have made Harley robust, and you can ensure its strength regardless of which brand you opt for,” Starbuck added.
The Post has reached out to both Harley-Davidson and Carmichael Lynch for their insights.
