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Conspiracy Theories Surround Acme Brick and Berkshire Hathaway's Warren Buffett

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Conspiracy theorists have spread unsubstantiated claims that Acme Brick, a company owned by Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway, is collaborating with Bill Gates and antifa to arm protesters with bricks. Despite the lack of evidence, these claims have gained traction on social media platforms and been perpetuated by Fox News and the White House. Acme Brick has vehemently denied these allegations, stating that it "has not done, and will not do, anything to intentionally promote violence." The company also clarified that it "has not been directed by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, or anyone else at Berkshire Hathaway to position bricks for an unlawful purpose."

Key Takeaways:

  • Unsubstantiated claims have circulated on social media that Acme Brick, owned by Berkshire Hathaway, is conspiring with Bill Gates and antifa to plant bricks at protest sites.
  • Fox News and the White House have linked the bricks to antifa and "professional anarchists," despite a lack of evidence.
  • Acme Brick has denied the allegations, stating that it "has not done, and will not do, anything to intentionally promote violence."
  • The company has also clarified that it "has not been directed by Warren Buffett, Bill Gates, or anyone else at Berkshire Hathaway to position bricks for an unlawful purpose."
  • Acme Brick produces over 1 billion bricks annually, accounting for approximately 12% of national output, according to Buffett's 2000 shareholder letter.
  • Berkshire Hathaway acquired Acme's parent company, Justin Industries, for $570 million in cash.

Statistics:

  • Over 1 billion bricks are produced annually by Acme Brick, accounting for approximately 12% of national output (Buffett, 2000).
  • Berkshire Hathaway acquired Acme's parent company, Justin Industries, for $570 million in cash.
  • Unsubstantiated conspiracy theories have spread across Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok (Bloomberg).
  • Fact-checkers and media outlets have found no evidence of an organized effort to place bricks at protest sites (Bloomberg).

Sources:

  • Bloomberg, "Buffett's Brick Company Linked to Antifa in Online Conspiracies" (2020)
  • Business Insider, "We're debunking a conspiracy theory that claims police are planting bricks at protests" (2020)
  • Business Insider, "Warren Buffett's company is battling conspiracy theories about its bricks at protests" (2020)
  • Brick.com, "Acme Brick Company Q&A and Social Media" (2020)
  • Berkshire Hathaway, "Letter to Shareholders, 2000" (2000)
  • Buffett, "Warren," (2000)

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