Banned but Not Silenced: Careless People Becomes a Bestseller Despite Meta’s Legal Block

Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams (Macmillan) has defied all odds, soaring onto bestseller charts despite its author being legally barred from promoting it. The memoir, which exposes the inner workings of Meta—the powerhouse behind Facebook—has captivated readers, proving that corporate restrictions can’t suppress a compelling story.

A Bestseller Without Promotion

The book’s launch has been anything but conventional. A U.S. emergency arbitrator ruled that Wynn-Williams, Meta’s former director of global policy, could not distribute or promote her memoir, citing concerns that it violated a non-disparagement agreement with her former employer. The tech giant denies her allegations of sexual harassment and inappropriate workplace behavior—but the controversy has only fueled public interest.

Despite the legal constraints, demand for Careless People skyrocketed, briefly selling out on Amazon UK over the weekend. According to Pan Macmillan, more than 100,000 copies are now in print, with reprints already ordered for the UK, India, and Australia. Nielsen BookScan reports sales of 2,832 copies in the first week, securing the book a top 10 spot in the UK’s Hardback Non-Fiction chart.

This weekend, Careless People is set to debut at No. 4 on the Sunday Times bestseller list and has held a bestseller position on Amazon, further cementing its impact.

Critical Acclaim and Media Buzz

The media has embraced Careless People, with major outlets providing extensive coverage. The Observer named it Book of the Week, calling it a “valuable indictment” of not only Facebook’s corporate culture but also the entitled behavior of powerful bosses, resonating with many beyond the tech industry.

Pan Macmillan CEO Joanna Prior hailed the book’s early success, stating:

“Careless People sold a staggering 1,000 hardbacks per day in its first three days on sale in the UK—despite Meta’s legal tactics to silence Sarah Wynn-Williams. This early success is a triumph against corporate suppression, and we stand by our author’s right to tell her story.”

A Shocking Insider’s Account

Described as “a shocking, first-hand account” of Meta’s rapid rise and the chaos left in its wake, Careless People gives readers an insider look at how the social media giant transformed from a viral sensation to a global powerhouse. Wynn-Williams, who was at the center of this transformation, provides an unfiltered perspective on the company’s policies, ethical dilemmas, and internal power struggles.

What’s Next?

While Wynn-Williams remains legally restricted from promoting Careless People, the book’s momentum suggests that readers won’t be silenced. With massive sales, critical praise, and international demand, it’s clear that this exposé is one of the most significant tech memoirs of the decade.