Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff tracked down journalist, relayed ‘personal details’ about her family
Bill Clinton, Marc Benioff (Craig Barritt/Getty Images for TIME 100 Health Summit)
Salesforce CEO and Democratic megadonor Marc Benioff went to great lengths to uncover “personal details” about the family of a journalist who exposed his use of anonymous shell companies to acquire large portions of land in rural Hawaii, as per a report.
Benioff, the billionaire founder of Salesforce and owner of Time magazine, has discreetly purchased nearly 40 plots of land in the small Hawaiian town of Waimea through at least six “anonymous” LLCs, according to a report by NPR. When reporter Dara Kerr confronted Benioff about these acquisitions, he became agitated and even divulged “personal details” about Kerr’s own family.
“A couple of days before the interview, Benioff texted the same NPR colleague again, asking for intel on my story. Then he called me and demanded to know the title of this piece,” Kerr wrote in the report.
“During that call, he also mentioned he knew the exact area where I was staying,” she continued. “Unnerved, I asked how he knew, and he said, ‘It’s my job. You have a job and I have a job.’ During the interview, he brings up more personal details about me and my family.”
This incident is part of a larger pattern of behavior exhibited by Benioff, who has shared platforms with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and has contributed nearly $1.3 million to Democratic candidates and causes since 2011, according to federal campaign finance disclosures.
In 2006, then-Wall Street Journal reporter Pui-Wing Tam also investigated Benioff’s real estate ventures in Hawaii. Benioff allegedly had the reporter detained when she visited one of his oceanfront properties and later boasted about hiring a private investigator to track her.
Despite not responding to a request for comment, Benioff reportedly contacted NPR CEO John Lansing to express his dissatisfaction with the outlet’s investigation into his land acquisitions in Hawaii, as revealed in Kerr’s report. The journalist discovered that Benioff has purchased nearly 40 parcels of land in Hawaii using six LLCs and one nonprofit, none of which are registered under his own name.
These purchases have raised concerns among local residents who fear being priced out of their homes by Benioff. In one instance, he bought the land housing a local bakery for over 50 percent above market value, leading to its closure, according to NPR.
In total, Benioff’s properties in Hawaii encompass more than 600 acres of land. He has acquired 29 parcels, spanning over 580 acres, in Waimea, along with 9 other parcels in various beach resorts.
While Benioff has occasionally made contributions to Republicans, his political spending since 2011 has overwhelmingly favored Democrats. For instance, between 2011 and 2015, he donated nearly $150,000 to the Democratic National Committee. In 2018, Benioff also contributed over $44,000 to Pelosi’s PAC.
What are the potential implications of Marc Benioff’s land acquisitions in rural Hawaii on the local community and the environment?
Ing, but not entirely surprising. Journalists often encounter pushback and resistance from powerful figures when they uncover inconvenient truths.”
Benioff’s attempt to unearth personal information about Kerr’s family is a concerning breach of ethics and privacy. Journalism relies on the ability to investigate and report without fear or intimidation, and journalists should never be subjected to personal attacks or threats for doing their job. Benioff’s actions raise questions about his respect for press freedom and his dedication to transparency.
While Benioff has not explicitly confirmed his ownership of the land through these anonymous shell companies, the evidence strongly suggests his involvement. The use of anonymous entities in real estate transactions can raise suspicions of hiding assets or avoiding public scrutiny. In a time when transparency and accountability are paramount, it is disheartening to see a prominent figure like Benioff engage in such practices.
Additionally, his reaction to being questioned about these acquisitions raises further concerns. Instead of addressing the issue directly and providing clarity, he resorted to intimidation tactics and attempted to gain an advantage through the use of personal information. This behavior diminishes his credibility and casts doubt on his motives for acquiring the land.
The implications of Benioff’s land acquisitions in rural Hawaii are also worth examining. The purchase of such a significant number of plots raises questions about his intentions and the impact on the local community. Large-scale land ownership by individuals, particularly those who do not reside in the area, can have significant consequences for both the environment and local residents. It is essential to scrutinize these actions and consider the potential long-term effects.
In a modern society that values transparency and accountability, the actions of individuals in positions of power come under heavy scrutiny. As the CEO of Salesforce, a company that places emphasis on ethical practices and corporate social responsibility, it is concerning to see Benioff engage in questionable actions. The public, shareholders, and Salesforce employees have a right to know the truth behind these land acquisitions and whether they align with the values promoted by the company.
Journalists play a critical role in our society by holding those in power accountable and shining a light on hidden truths. They should be able to do their job without fear of retribution or invasion of privacy. Benioff’s actions serve as a reminder that the work of journalism is not without risks and challenges, but it is crucial to the functioning of a democratic society.
As this controversy continues to unfold, it is essential for supporters of press freedom and ethical conduct to condemn any attempts to silence journalists or intimidate them through personal attacks. The media plays a vital role in ensuring transparency and accountability, and it is our collective responsibility to protect the integrity of journalists and their ability to report objectively.
As for Benioff, his actions have not gone unnoticed, and they demand further investigation. The public deserves answers and transparency regarding the land acquisitions and the motives behind them. It is imperative that individuals in positions of power are held to account and that ethical and legal standards are upheld.
Ultimately, the incident involving Marc Benioff serves as a reminder of the importance of free press and the crucial role journalists play in our society. It also highlights the need for increased scrutiny of individuals in positions of power, ensuring that their actions align with the values and principles we hold dear.
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