Many are still curious about the circumstances surrounding Ryan Lizza’s firing from The New Yorker in 2017. His departure has remained a topic of interest, especially given the ongoing discussions about accountability in the media. These past events continue to spark debate among industry observers.
So, what really happened with Ryan Lizza and his time at The New Yorker? For those seeking insight into this situation and its implications, all the details are available here.
Why did Ryan Lizza get fired by The New Yorker?
The New Yorker fired Ryan Lizza on December 11, 2017, following allegations of “improper sexual conduct.” (via The New York Times)
The magazine stated that after reviewing the matter, it decided to terminate his employment. Lizza, who served as The New Yorker’s Washington correspondent for a decade, denied the allegations and claimed that the magazine made its decision hastily and without a full investigation. He described the relationship as consensual and respectful, while The New Yorker declined to provide further details, citing privacy concerns.
The accusation against Lizza arose during the broader cultural reckoning of the #MeToo movement, which exposed misconduct across various industries. His accuser remained anonymous, but her lawyer, Douglas Wigdor, disputed Lizza’s characterization of their relationship. Wigdor stated that the alleged misconduct contradicted Lizza’s claims of respectfulness.
Wigdor added that the accuser came forward to hold Lizza accountable and potentially prevent future incidents. In addition to his firing from The New Yorker, CNN suspended Lizza from his role as a political commentator while the network investigated the matter.
Georgetown University, where Lizza taught a class in American politics, also severed ties with him for the upcoming semester. The scandal reflected a wider trend, as several other high-profile journalists, such as Glenn Thrush, Mark Halperin, and Matt Lauer, faced similar accusations during this period, signaling a significant shift in accountability within the media industry. (via NBC)
Lizza’s firing underscores media efforts to address workplace misconduct. His denial and The New Yorker’s swift action highlight the complexities of handling allegations against powerful figures, reflecting the #MeToo movement’s push for greater accountability in journalism.
