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Conservative activist Robby Starbuck, an American producer and director, is raising new concerns about Harley-Davidson’s commitment to abandoning diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, arguing that the iconic motorcycle maker’s new CEO has a long history of supporting such programs.<\/span><\/p>\n Starbuck published research<\/span><\/a> on Wednesday examining Harley-Davidson CEO Artie Starrs, who took over the company in October 2025, <\/span><\/a>roughly a year after Harley-Davidson backed away from DEI policies following significant consumer backlash.<\/p>\n According to Starbuck, Starrs promoted DEI initiatives during previous leadership roles at Topgolf and Pizza Hut and later hired a chief brand officer with a similar background.<\/p>\n Harley-Davidson announced in 2024 that it would scale back<\/span><\/a> several DEI-related initiatives after facing criticism from customers and activists. The company said at the time that it would focus on its core business and customer base.<\/p>\n Starbuck argues that Starrs’ record raises questions about whether the company is truly moving away from those policies.<\/p>\n While Starrs was CEO at Topgolf from 2021 to 2025, the company maintained employee resource groups and public initiatives supporting LGBT causes. Starbuck also highlighted social media posts from Starrs’ time at Pizza Hut that promoted diversity and inclusion efforts.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Starbuck further pointed to a 2020 educational initiative launched by Pizza Hut and First Book during Starrs’ leadership which The Daily Wire covered<\/a> at the time. The program included materials on race, racism, privilege, and equity in classrooms.<\/p>\n More recently, Starbuck criticized Starrs’ decision to hire Marcus Fischer as Harley-Davidson’s chief brand officer.<\/p>\n Before joining Harley-Davidson, Fischer served as CEO of advertising agency Carmichael Lynch. Starbuck argued that the agency actively promoted DEI initiatives, LGBT advocacy efforts, and diversity-focused employee programs.<\/p>\n Starbuck reviews several of Fischer\u2019s social media posts, revealing his support for the LGBTQ community, celebrating a diversity achievement for Hilary Clinton, and anticipating DEI conferences such as the National Diversity & Leadership Conference. <\/span> Fischer responded to an Instagram post asking what Carmichael Lynch was doing to \u201cally\u201d with the LGBTQ community. He said the company hosted an in-office drag event, raising $12K for the Family Tree Clinic, which \u201cspecializes in LGBTQIA+ healthcare access.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n Harley-Davidson disputed suggestions that it is reviving DEI programs.<\/p>\n