The New Yorker Fires Star Reporter Ryan Lizza Over Improper Sexual Conduct

[George II]

Source: Daily Beast

The New Yorker has let go of its star reporter Ryan Lizza amid allegations of sexual misconduct, the magazine confirmed Monday.

“The New Yorker recently learned that Ryan Lizza engaged in what we believe was improper sexual conduct. We have reviewed the matter and, as a result, have severed ties with Lizza,” a spokesperson for the magazine said. “Due to a request for privacy, we are not commenting further.

In a separate statement, Lizza disputed the magazine’s description of his firing: “I am dismayed that The New Yorker has decided to characterize a respectful relationship with a woman I dated as somehow inappropriate. The New Yorker was unable to cite a company policy that was violated.”

He continued: “I am sorry to my friends, workplace colleagues, and loved ones for any embarrassment this episode may have caused. I love The New Yorker, my home for the last decade, and I have the highest regard for the people who work there. But this decision, which was made hastily and without a full investigation of the relevant facts, was a terrible mistake.”

Read more: https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-new-yorker-severs-ties-with-star-reporter-ryan-lizza

[Lonestarblue]

1. I hope this is not just another kneejerk reaction.

I love the New Yorker and subscribe. There are so many incidents coming to light that they leave me reeling. I hope we learn more. Is this more of the Al Franken type accusations, which I believe may have been annoying to the women involved but should not have led to his resignation, or are these serious issues of real harassment? If we do not distinguish between what is serious and what is trivial, fairly soon every action will be perceived as trivial, and that does a real disservice to the women who suffer actual injury. I spent my career in corporate America, and while I’m sure my unspoken language communicated that I would not tolerate any man who overstepped the bounds, some women are not comfortable with any confrontation. We need to teach young girls and women that their bodies are their own, and they need to make that clear.

[Me.]

2. Apparently His Name Was On A Secret LIst

Passed around by female journalists this fall of men who are an issue

[PSPS]

11. Far from a "kneejerk reaction." They know all the facts and made the appropriate decision.

[SergeStorms]

12. Could you provide.....

a link where I could examine those accusations and supporting facts? I'd like to read them. Thanks in advance.

[Tarheel_Dem]

3. This is breathtaking. I tuned in to Tom Ashbrook's show on NPR today, and to my surprise Tom....

wasn't there. Anthony Brooks was filling in because apparently Ashbrook has been placed on leave following sexual misconduct allegations.

[yallerdawg]

4. Daily Beast:

Wigdor LLP, the law firm representing Lizza’s accuser, issued a statement in response: “In no way did Mr. Lizza’s misconduct constitute a ‘respectful relationship’ as he has now tried to characterize it. Our client reported Mr. Lizza’s actions to ensure that he would be held accountable and in the hope that by coming forward she would help other potential victims.”

The firm noted that the accuser would like their identity to remain confidential.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/the-new-yorker-severs-ties-with-star-reporter-ryan-lizza

[SergeStorms]

13. Yet another.....

"confidential accuser". Another man denied Due Process, and now his career is permanently scarred. Don't get me wrong, if he indeed committed an act of sexual aggression/impropriety then his employment should be terminated at once.

However, the very nature of #MeToo might be used as a method to settle old emotional scores . I would certainly hate for that to happen, especially when so much weight is being afforded 'anonymous' accusers.
I hope this never reaches the bottom of that barrel.

[yallerdawg]

16. The accuser is not anonymous to Ryan Lizza and the news organizations.

Just to us.

Victim-shaming in multiple ways, including putting their name out for the abuse and innuendo we know will follow, is just another way to keep them silent.

Losing your job because you are a rude, crude asshole who has no respect for females - that is an everyday event!

[LanternWaste]

17. is your usage simply an informal fallacy predicated on emotion rather than critical thought?

As Due Process is a 5th Amendment clause ensuring a legal obligation of the state, it begs the question... which court denied this man that?

Or is your usage simply an informal fallacy predicated on emotion rather than critical thought... because "I hope this never reaches the bottom of that barrel."

[SergeStorms]

19. Yep, you both have found me out.

I'm a sexist pig who has absolutely no respect for women whatsoever. That both of you fail to see, or even worse, don't want to see the point being made here is all I need to know. Buh-bye

[BeyondGeography]

5. So they had a relationship and they disagree on its merits

This is supposed to be a big deal?

[George II]

6. Did you ever get fired from a job?

[BeyondGeography]

7. Did you ever get fired from three jobs in one day?

That’s what happened to Lizza because, if all we go on is what’s being reported, one person’s word is being taken as the truth over his.

[PSPS]

10. "If all we go on is what's being reported"

This is a private matter and we're not entitled to all the facts known to those making the decision. I have faith in the New Yorker making the right decision because they know all the facts.

[BeyondGeography]

15. This isnt a private matter for Lizza

His accuser retains her privacy; his career, or this phase of it at least, ends in public disgrace. I have no feelings for him, but they better have something pretty damned good if it’s to be at all commensurate with the fallout. Meantime, what’s he supposed to do, curl up in a ball and die somewhere? He has to fight back because his life is at stake.

[scarletwoman]

8. Seems like we may be getting into Salem Witch Trial territory.

If an accusation from just one woman can get someone fired, then it seems to me that we've crossed a line.

I have plenty of empathy for all girls and women who have experienced all manner of abuse and degrading behavior from men. I am a survivor of two attempted rapes, uncounted incidences of sexual coercion, males yelling obscenities at me from passing cars (starting at age 11) - in other words, pretty much the whole panoply of what most females go through in this male-dominated culture.

Even so, I am not willing to just unquestioningly believe every woman who brings accusations against a particular man. Due in part to the fact, I suppose, that I know from experience that it's not impossible to escape or de-escalate in difficult sexual situations.

I'm just not willing to see men randomly punished for being male. Maybe because I'm the mother or two sons.

[PSPS]

9. So you don't think the New Yorker has facts you don't?

If the New Yorker is known for anything, it's its fact checking. They would never have done this if it weren't justified. Contrary to what many have come to believe from "TV shows," The public at large is not entitled to all the facts that are in the hands of those making these decisions. It's a private matter.

[SergeStorms]

14. Then why do they insist...

on making it a public matter? Why are headlines splashed all over the media? There's absolutely no reason to go public with this if - indeed - they have all the "facts" that we're not privy to. If it's private on the accuser's end, the entire subject should be private. Someone wants this man's reputation and career destroyed, don't you think? But we're not entitled to know why? If we're not, then keep the matter in house and out of the media.

[LanternWaste]

18. What specifically leads you to believe the consequences are predicated on accusations alone?

"If an accusation from just one woman can get someone fired..."

What specifically leads you to believe the consequences are predicated on accusations alone, rather than in addition to a thorough investigation by the company?

[Blue_Tires]

20. Well, we knew a whole lot of people were going to get caught up in this

and it's still far from over