Vanity Fair's editors contemplate their next steps regarding Nuzzi

Vanity Fair editor Mark Guiducci and other top executives are expressing concern over their rising star, Olivia Nuzzi. Initially, Cond Nast chose not to comment on the sensational claims being made by Nuzzis former fianc, journalist Ryan Lizza, through his serialized Substack posts.

Some within the company initially downplayed Lizzas portrayals of Nuzzis past relationship with politician Mark Sanford, considering it insider Washington politics that would have little impact on the West Coast, where Nuzzi was beginning her tenure. However, just weeks after Vanity Fair shared an excerpt of Nuzzis book, it appears increasingly unlikely she will become a permanent fixture on the magazines print masthead.

Lizzas newest allegations extend beyond personal entanglements, claiming Nuzzi attempted to interfere with reporting on then-presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. According to three sources familiar with the matter, Vanity Fair is conducting a review of Nuzzis work, though no final determination has been made. Unlike the broader investigation by New York Magazine last year, Vanity Fairs review is more focused and seems contingent on whatever Lizza publishes next, with Part Four of his series expected to release soon.

Two insiders at Cond Nast indicated that both the magazine and company executives are troubled by the full scope of the allegations and may allow Nuzzis temporary contract to lapse. This development represents a rare and genuinely striking political media scandal. Lizzas narrative portrays Nuzzi as potentially violating core journalistic ethics by becoming too close to a source and using her position for personal advantage, particularly in the context of a romantic relationship. Much of these claims remain unverified, and Nuzzi has not publicly responded.

The controversy also highlights challenges facing todays media landscape. A traditional publication, led by a young editor seeking to regain public attention, took a risk in hiring a high-profile reporter with a complicated past. Meanwhile, Lizza has leveraged the attention surrounding his personal life to climb Substacks popularity rankings. As of this past Saturday, his Substack ranks 38th among political newsletters.

The scandal has aired explicit and sensational details, causing embarrassment for a magazine aiming to revitalize its image. Yet, one clear beneficiary has emerged: Substacks public relations team, which has promoted Lizzas posts. His initial installment reportedly received 724,000 views, a remarkable figure in the current media environment.

Author: Sophia Brooks