03:39 PM EDT, 09/26/2024 (MT Newswires) -- Toyota Motor ( TM ) is distancing itself from diversity programs that it said were initiated by employee groups, following a social media campaign by activist Robby Starbuck, Bloomberg reported Thursday.

Starbuck, who is known to be an anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion, or DEI, criticized the carmaker for allegedly sponsoring LGBTQ events and offering "preferential treatment for diverse suppliers."

A Toyota ( TM ) spokesman said the company was not directly involved in the LGBTQ initiatives, according to the report. The company does not authorize every activity and it has around 8,000 members in employee resource groups, the spokesman added.

Toyota ( TM ) did not immediately reply to MT Newswires' request for comment.

(Market Chatter news is derived from conversations with market professionals globally. This information is believed to be from reliable sources but may include rumor and speculation. Accuracy is not guaranteed.)

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