Who is Robby Starbuck? All we know about anti-DEI activist 

A 35-year-old political newcomer and former Hollywood music video director, Robby Starbuck, has become one of the leading figures in the United States’ growing anti-DEI movement.

Best known for his opposition to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, Starbuck has drawn attention for his efforts to target major corporations and policies he describes as “woke.”

(Post via X/@Dimi)

Starbuck grew up Catholic, with his family having ties to Cuba. His mother and grandparents reportedly fled the country in the 1960s to immigrate to the United States. Little is known about his early years, but Starbuck’s career started in Hollywood, where he directed music videos for leading performers.

According to the Pink News, he relocated in 2019 from California to Tennessee specifically to avoid what he called the liberal culture of Hollywood that he said was always working against his Republican identity and outspoken views.

Robby Starbuck’s activism started during the COVID-19 pandemic when he pushed against the mask and vaccine mandates. His political aspirations were made clear in 2021 when he stood as a candidate for the Republican nomination to represent Tennessee’s 5th congressional district.

He drew criticism when he branded actress Megan Fox a child abuser for allowing her children to wear gender-non-conforming clothes. Megan Fox, in turn, criticized Starbuck for using her children’s gender identities to get attention.

Robby Starbuck now lives outside of Nashville, Tennessee, with his wife, Landon, and their four kids. Landon Starbuck is also a vocal activist, fighting for conservative causes, including banning gender-affirming medical care for minors and limiting drag performances that include children.

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More about Robby Starbuck’s anti-DEI campaigns

Robby Starbuck’s evolution into an anti-DEI activist started in June 2024. Using his platform and the reach of social media, he kept his aim on corporations with DEI policies, pressuring them to reduce diversity efforts.

His campaigns highlighted companies such as John Deere, Walmart, Ford, Harley-Davidson, Tractor Supply, and Lowe’s. Through his campaigns, Starbuck has achieved some big wins, including Walmart’s recent pullback on some DEI measures.

He confirmed on X that he met with Walmart executives, reportedly resulting in changes to their policies. Starbuck says that Walmart agreed to stop promoting sexual and transgender products geared towards children and to reconsider its support for Pride events to avoid funding sexualized content.

(Post via X/@WallStreetMav)

According to CNBC TV18, Walmart and other companies have said that many of these policy changes were already in the works and weren’t directly tied to Robby Starbuck’s efforts.

Aside from his opinions against DEI, Starbuck is also vocal about his thoughts on LGBTQ+ rights and gender-affirming care. He also directed the documentary The War on Children, which critiques gender ideology, drag performances, critical race theory (CRT), and environmental, social, and governance (ESG) policies.

Despite the negative feedback, the film has been endorsed by powerful figures, including Elon Musk, increasing its exposure to conservative viewers.