Peloton has been accused of blocking people from using the hashtag “LetsGoBrandon” on its fitness platforms because it doesn’t meet its guidelines.
The fitness equipment company has been sending users an error message when they try to connect with others on the Peloton App using the tag, according to screenshots published by PJ Media on Wednesday.
The phrase has become an anti-President Biden rallying cry in recent weeks, ever since an NBC reporter interviewing NASCAR driver Brandon Brown on Oct. 2 mistook a vulgar chant from the crowd — “F–k Joe Biden” — as “Let’s go, Brandon.”
As the phrase gained popularity and went viral, Peloton users started adding the “LetsGoBrandon” hashtag to their profiles last month.
But within the last week, users have reported seeing an error message that reads: “This tag does not meet our guidelines.”
A supporter of former President Donald Trump displays a “Let’s Go Brandon” hat. The phrase is used to disparage President Biden. Bloomberg via Getty ImagesIt wasn’t immediately clear when — or why — the hashtag was removed.
Peloton didn’t immediately respond to The Post’s request for comment about the so-called ban.
Some on Twitter are accusing the company of trying to censor its members and taking political sides.
#BlackLivesMatter and #DefundthePolice are among the permitted tags on the fitness giant’s app. Anthony Behar/Sipa USAOthers pointed to how #BlackLivesMatter and #DefundThePolice were among the permitted tags on the platforms.
“Why’d @onepeloton delete our #LetsGoBrandon leaderboard tag? I’ve endured all their woke celebrations, and was nice to actually have OUR community to High Five. What happened to diversity, Peloton?!” one Twitter user wrote.
Another person urged Peloton to stop deleting the hashtag, tweeting: “I paid handsomely for your equipment and monthly fees. A central selling point of Peloton is to connect with like-minded people. Conservatives use your service and have every right to connect with each other.”
“Peloton removed #letsgobrandon from their leaderboard tags. I’m sure they would’ve protected Trump from insult the same way,” another tweeted.
Others called for people to boycott Peloton, with one tweet saying: “Sell your Peloton. Won’t let users use #LetsGoBrandon or #AllLivesMatter but does allow #BlackLivesMatter.”
Peloton has seen shares tank in recent days amid a major slowdown from the pandemic-driven sales boom that it enjoyed last year.
A protester holds a “Let’s Go Brandon!” sign at a rally against vaccine mandates. Getty ImagesThe company also took a hit when it was forced to recall its treadmills in May after reports of injuries and even one death.
