Drag queen and environmentalist Pattie Gonia performs during the Mountainfilm documentary festival in Telluride, C.O., on Saturday May 25, 2024. —Sarah Silbiger—Getty ImagesDrag queen and environmental activist Pattie Gonia is asking the outdoor apparel brand Patagonia to drop its trademark infringement lawsuit, calling the suit “a betrayal of the company’s core mission.” The brand first filed the trademark lawsuit in January against Wyn Wiley, who performs under the stage name Pattie Gonia. Patagonia is suing for $1, along with legal fees, which the performer says could cost upwards of $1 million dollars. On Wednesday May 27, the climate activist, who has over two million online followers across TikTok and Instagram, took to Instagram to call for the company to drop the lawsuit. “This is not a brand conflict, this is a corporation trying to erase an activist,” she said. “This is how corporations bully individuals who cannot match their resources. Because this would take away not only my activism and career, but also the livelihoods of the team I employ.”“This is a betrayal of Patagonia’s core mission. Because if they’re ‘in business to save the home planet’, why are they suing a climate activist?” Pattie Gonia said. “Over the last four months since the lawsuit was filed, I have stayed silent and worked every channel I had to resolve this without going to court. But in the end, I had two choices. The erasure of my name, my advocacy, my community, and everyone I employ. Or fight for myself and fight for us.”Who…
Want more insights? Join Grow With Caliber - our career elevating newsletter and get our take on the future of work delivered weekly.
