Explosive Memoir Reveals Alleged Misconduct by Sheryl Sandberg at Facebook

NEW DELHI, India — A new memoir by former Facebook employee Sarah Wynn-Williams makes alarming allegations against Sheryl Sandberg, the company’s former chief operating officer. Released on March 11, 2025, ‘Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism’ presents a series of incidents during Wynn-Williams’ seven-year tenure at Facebook that raise questions about Sandberg’s behavior.

Among the claims detailed in the book are instances where Sandberg allegedly instructed her then-26-year-old assistant, referred to as Sadie, to purchase $13,000 worth of lingerie during a trip across Europe. Wynn-Williams recounts that during a private flight, Sandberg, dressed in pajamas, invited her assistant to join her in ‘the only bed on the plane’ and became visibly upset when declined.

A spokesperson for Meta, Facebook’s parent company, responded to the allegations, labeling them a collection of outdated and false claims. ‘This is a mix of out-of-date and previously reported claims about the company and false accusations about our executives,’ the spokesperson stated, emphasizing that Wynn-Williams was fired for poor performance and had a history of making misleading allegations.

Meta pointed to an investigation conducted at the time of Wynn-Williams’ departure, which concluded she engaged in toxic behavior and made unfounded allegations. The spokesperson further asserted that while whistleblower status protects individuals communicating with the government, it does not shield disgruntled individuals seeking to profit from accusations.

The release of ‘Careless People’ has stirred significant media attention, with outlets dissecting Wynn-Williams’ claims amid ongoing scrutiny of leadership practices at major technology firms. Book reviews have thus far been mixed, with critics questioning the credibility of the allegations based on Wynn-Williams’ past.

The revelations have sparked debate within the tech community about workplace conduct and accountability, particularly in high-stakes environments. As discussions continue, many are calling for greater transparency and diligence in corporate governance.