Slack message: Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg says CFO Mark Davies "conspired" with board members to put him on paid leave and Davies was voted to be interim CEO (Samantha Cole/404 Media)

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg has announced via Slack that he is back in control of the company following a recent board decision. The WordPress.com parent company's board had previously voted to put Mullenweg on paid leave of absence and appoint CFO Mark Davies as interim CEO. In his message, Mullenweg claimed that the board members had "conspired" behind his back to oust him, but added that the board is now "back in agreement" and he is in control again.

He expressed hope that the recent events were a misunderstanding, given his respect for the board members involved. However, Automattic has not yet confirmed the validity of Mullenweg's statement. Mullenweg also deactivated Davies' Slack account and made a series of odd posts, including a reference to a pirate persona and profanity, which contradicts Mullenweg's known demeanor of not cursing.

As the situation unfolds, it remains unclear whether Mullenweg is deliberately stirring controversy or if genuine changes have taken place within the company.