A wave of departures has hit Automattic, the company behind WordPress.com, as 159 employees have reportedly resigned in recent weeks, with some attributing their decisions to the ongoing feud between CEO Matt Mullenweg and WP Engine.

The conflict between the two companies stems from WP Engine’s acquisition of Flywheel, a web hosting platform, in 2020. Automattic, which also operates Flywheel, alleged that WP Engine violated a non-compete agreement in the acquisition. This led to a legal battle and a strained relationship between the two giants in the WordPress ecosystem.

The departures at Automattic follow a period of uncertainty and speculation surrounding the future of the company. Employees have reportedly expressed concerns about the impact of the WP Engine conflict on the company’s culture and future direction. Some have cited a decline in morale and a feeling of instability as contributing factors to their decisions.

While Automattic has not officially confirmed the number of departures or attributed them to the WP Engine conflict, the situation highlights the significant impact of the feud on the WordPress community. The industry is closely watching as the legal battle continues and the implications for both companies remain uncertain.

The exodus at Automattic raises concerns about the future of the company and its ability to attract and retain top talent. With 159 employees leaving, the company faces a significant loss of expertise and experience. The situation also underscores the importance of maintaining healthy relationships within the WordPress ecosystem.