Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg has made headlines once again, but this time it’s not for his company’s controversial practices or privacy concerns. It’s for his new hairstyle. During a recent Senate Judiciary Committee hearing on child exploitation on social media, Zuckerberg was seen sporting what some believe could be a mullet.
Known for his signature Caesar-like haircut, Zuckerberg surprised many with a fluffy blond growth at the back of his neck. Business Insider reported on the speculation surrounding his new look, and images from the hearing displayed the hair from different angles. However, it remained uncertain whether it was indeed a mullet, a bad hair day, or something else entirely.
To resolve the debate, Business Insider sought the expertise of the professionals at USA Mullet Champ, an organization that conducts live mullet judging competitions. Brittany Stevens, their spokeswoman, reviewed the photographic evidence and stated, “A true mullet should be longer in the back and shorter in the front and sides. …While this isn’t quite a mullet yet, it’s well on its journey!”
Zuckerberg’s new hairstyle managed to divert some attention from the serious issues discussed during the hearing. However, this is not the first time his haircut has caused a stir. In 2019, Business Insider cited his fascination with Roman Emperor Augustus Caesar as an inspiration for his haircut. At the time, his wife Priscilla Chan was reportedly cutting his bangs.
Interestingly, one of Zuckerberg’s daughters is named after the Emperor Augustus Caesar, who played a pivotal role in transforming Rome into an empire and became infamous for eliminating his political rivals. This connection between Zuckerberg and the Roman Emperor adds an intriguing twist to his hairstyle choice.
While Zuckerberg’s new look may have garnered attention, it shouldn’t overshadow the gravity of the issue discussed during the hearing. The CEO of Meta Platforms Inc., formerly known as Facebook, apologized to the families of children who were victims of abuse on social media platforms. The hearing was attended by several leaders of social media groups, including Linda Yaccarino of X (formerly Twitter) and Evan Spiegel of Snap Inc.
Despite the controversy surrounding the hearing, Meta Platforms Inc. (FB) shares hit an all-time high after the company reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter financial results. This led to a significant increase in Zuckerberg’s wealth, as reported by Benzinga.
In the end, while Zuckerberg’s new hairstyle may have caught the attention of many, it’s important to focus on the substantive issues at hand. The hearing shed light on the urgent need to address child exploitation on social media platforms and the responsibility of tech companies to create safer online spaces. Zuckerberg’s hairstyle may have sparked curiosity, but it should not overshadow the important conversations that need to take place.