While Vice Media has built itself from a fringe Canadian magazine into a nearly $6 billion global media company, its boundary-pushing culture created a workplace that was degrading and uncomfortable for women, current and former employees say. (NYT)
The New York Times uncovered four settlements for alleged sexual harassment and defamation against the Brooklyn-based media company’s employees—including its president, Andrew Creighton. The allegations include unwanted sexual advances, forced kissing and groping from the former head of Vice News, and a retaliatory firing after a woman rejected a relationship with Creighton. (Mashable)
Two other men accused in harassment settlements, former Vice News head Jason Mojica and Vice producer Rhys James, were both fired in November. (HuffPost)
A statement released to the newspaper from Vice co-founders Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi acknowledged problems at the company. “From the top down, we have failed as a company to create a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone, especially women, can feel respected and thrive,” according to the statement. Neither Smith nor Alvi are directly accused of any misconduct in the article. (Variety)