Vox Media To End Deal with Taylor Lorenz Following Controversial Comments
Vox Media has decided to end its partnership with former Washington Post reporter Taylor Lorenz, cutting ties with her podcast and YouTube show after a series of contentious remarks regarding the death of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The decision comes after a report by Semafor scribe Max Tani surfaced, indicating that Lorenz’s short-term agreement with Vox is set to expire at the start of the new year.
Lorenz swiftly dismissed the report as false, denouncing media reporters for allegedly spreading lies about her. She took to social media to defend herself and announced plans to address the situation on her podcast in the coming week. Vox Media has refrained from commenting on the matter.
A spokesperson for Semafor stood by their initial report, confirming that Vox Media will indeed be ending its relationship with Taylor Lorenz in 2025. The source close to the deal verified this information, revealing that Lorenz’s contract will conclude at the beginning of the upcoming year. However, the reasoning behind Vox’s decision to not renew the agreement was not explicitly disclosed.
The controversy surrounding Taylor Lorenz escalated when she made provocative comments in the aftermath of Brian Thompson’s tragic murder in New York. Lorenz sparked outrage when she seemingly justified the killing by insinuating that insurance company CEOs, like Thompson, deserve such fate due to their roles in perpetuating suffering and death. Her statements on social media drew widespread criticism and backlash, prompting Vox Media to reconsider its association with the tech journalist.
This recent development adds to a string of controversies that have surrounded Taylor Lorenz in recent months. In August, she faced backlash for referring to President Biden as a “war criminal” in a social media post. The incident led to an internal review by The Washington Post, where Lorenz previously worked as a tech columnist. Despite initially denying the authenticity of the post, it was later confirmed by National Public Radio, leading to Lorenz’s departure from the publication in October.
The decision by Vox Media to part ways with Taylor Lorenz underscores the challenges faced by media outlets in managing the reputational risks associated with controversial figures. As Lorenz navigates these turbulent waters, the future of her journalistic endeavors remains uncertain.
