SIOUX FALLS, S.D. — MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell says he’ll launch his new social media site and podcast platform, Frank, at a rally in South Dakota’s Corn Palace on May 10.
Lindell made the announcement Wednesday on a podcast hosted by Steve Bannon, a former top adviser to President Donald Trump.
“That’s going to be the grand, grand opening to the world,” Lindell said. “I just want to get the awareness of the Frank speech, for our free speech to get out there so they can’t suppress us anymore.”
Lindell, an ardent supporter of Trump, started developing Frank after he was banned from Twitter for continuing to spread conspiracy theories and baseless claims that Trump won the 2020 election.
Frank was supposed to have gone live to VIP users this month, but isn’t yet operational as a social media platform. So far it is hosting videos featuring Lindell and his election claims.
While Lindell has said users of the platform won’t face censorship, he has said they won’t be allowed to post profanity or threats of violence.
“You don’t get to use the four swear words: the c-word, the n-word, the f-word, or God’s name in vain,” he said in an explanatory video.
Lindell, 59, has said he’s mulling a 2022 gubernatorial run in Minnesota, where he and his company are based. He’s also facing a $1.3 billion defamation lawsuit from Dominion Voting Systems, based on allegations Lindell has made related to the election. Lindell has countersued for $1.6 billion.
The Corn Palace, a tourist attraction in Mitchell, South Dakota (population 15,000), is an auditorium whose exterior is covered in murals made from corn. Asked by Bannon why he chose it, Lindell said he has been there before, is “very familiar” with South Dakota and is a big supporter of Kristi Noem, the state’s Republican governor, and her pandemic decision to reject statewide mask mandates or shutdowns.
Attendance to the Corn Palace rally will be free and will be first come, first serve, Lindell said.
Whoever shows up will get a free copy of Lindell’s book, “What Are the Odds? From Crack Addict to CEO.”
Lindell said he’d speak for 60 to 90 minutes, and said he had “great surprises” regarding fellow speakers and launch party entertainment.
Forum News Service confirmed Lindell’s rally with the Corn Palace. The event was booked Tuesday and it cost Lindell $1,750 plus setup costs.