Bluesky CEO subtly mocks Mark Zuckerberg by wearing a T-shirt with a bold statement, sparking online discussions about their tech industry rivalry.
Bluesky has often clashed with X (formerly Twitter). Now, its CEO, Jay Graber, has aimed at Meta’s Mark Zuckerberg.
Her fashion statement at SXSW delivered a subtle but sharp message.
Bluesky’s rise as a social media contender
New social platforms struggle to compete in the digital space. Yet, Bluesky has gained traction, positioning itself as a fresh alternative to X.
After Elon Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion, Bluesky emerged as a promising alternative.
User numbers surged, especially after the latest U.S. election results. The platform quickly surpassed 20 million users, attracting high-profile figures.
Now, it appears Graber is taking a stand against another tech giant—Mark Zuckerberg.
The meaning behind Zuckerberg’s T-shirt
At Meta’s developer keynote in September, Zuckerberg wore a black T-shirt with Latin text. The words read: “Aut Zuck aut nihil” , meaning “Either Zucker or nothing.”
The phrase references Julius Caesar, a historical figure Zuckerberg openly admires.
Many found it unsettling that the Facebook founder aligned himself with an authoritarian symbol.
Graber’s clever response to Zuckerberg’s bold statement
Graber countered Zuckerberg’s declaration in a subtle but pointed way. At her SXSW talk, she wore a nearly identical black T-shirt.
However, her message starkly contrasted Zuckerberg’s.
Her shirt read “Mundus sine Caesaribus”, which translates to “A world without Caesars.”
This phrase served as both a witty dig and a strong stance on leadership in tech.
Social media reacts to Graber’s statement
The move resonated with many online. Social media users praised the clever comeback, calling it a statement against centralized control in tech.
On social media, some evern wanted their own version of the T-shirt. Bluesky capitalized on the demand, selling the design in a limited run. All proceeds supported the AT Protocol developer ecosystem—the open-source foundation behind Bluesky.
One person said: Because Zuckerberg went conservative now they hate him
A second wrote: Rich angry women hates rich conservative dude. Lol
A Bluesky spokesperson said the network “returns meaningful choice and ownership to each individual user, instead of a single CEO.” aka it’s operated by the media and Democrats. While a third commented.
While a third commented: Bluesky. Let’s go!
Someon else said: Nothing but Bluesky
Bluesky’s storefront saw an immediate surge in orders.While, the shirt sold out in all sizes within 30 minutes.
Although the store listed it as a “final sale,” Bluesky engineers hinted at a potential restock.
Bluesky’s open-source model sets it apart
Unlike Meta or X, Bluesky operates on an open-source protocol. No single entity controls the platform.
Developers can create alternative routes and shape its future.
Graber’s statement reflects this philosophy.
While Zuckerberg’s message implied dominance, hers promoted decentralization.
It was a bold stance in the ever-evolving battle for the future of social media.
Will Bluesky’s vision of a “world without Caesars” become a reality? Time will tell.