Well, it looks like Taylor Lorenz is making headlines again—and not in the way most people in her profession might hope. Vox Media has decided to cut ties with the controversial journalist, choosing not to renew the deal for her podcast and YouTube show. Predictably, Lorenz took to social media to blast the reports, claiming she’s still in control of the show’s distribution and that media reporters are “lying” about her. Classic.
For those unfamiliar with Lorenz’s latest escapades, here’s a quick recap. Just last week, the former Washington Post columnist found herself in the eye of a storm after some truly jaw-dropping comments about the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. On BlueSky, she shared an article about a controversial insurance policy change and followed it up with a stunningly dark remark: “And people wonder why we want these executives dead.” Subtle, right?
Taylor Lorenz is absolutely rotten to her core. pic.twitter.com/5Hsxytendm
— MAZE (@mazemoore) December 9, 2024
Hours later, Thompson, a father of two, was gunned down outside a Midtown Manhattan hotel. Rather than exercise a little restraint or compassion, Lorenz doubled down, sharing another post that mused about emailing other insurance executives with the message, “You’re next.” Of course, she later claimed it was all just hypothetical and insisted she only supports peaceful activism. Sure, Taylor.
Lorenz is denying that it took place. She’s also a wacko, so?
Media continuers to lie and say that Vox media has parted ways w me. Nothing could be further from the truth. I own 100% of my show and distribute it myself on YouTube, not Vox. Nothing about my relationship w Vox’s ad sales has changed. Sorry to break it to u but the media lies!
— Taylor Lorenz (@taylorlorenz.bsky.social) December 9, 2024 at 3:35 PM
Unsurprisingly, this wasn’t Lorenz’s first run-in with controversy. Back in August, she caused a stir with an Instagram post featuring President Biden in the background of a White House event. The caption? “War criminal.” When called out, she initially claimed the image was a forgery, but NPR confirmed its authenticity. That little stunt prompted an internal review at The Washington Post, but the results were conveniently never disclosed. Lorenz left the paper shortly after.
Let’s be honest—her knack for finding herself at the center of these messes is almost impressive. Vox reportedly made the decision to part ways with Lorenz even before her inflammatory comments about Thompson’s murder. Still, you have to wonder if her ongoing habit of creating unnecessary drama tipped the scales. Whether it’s labeling insurance CEOs as the root of all evil or calling out the President of the United States with middle-school-level jabs, Lorenz seems determined to set fire to every bridge in sight.
But let’s not forget her self-proclaimed moral high ground. In one breath, she defends her outlandish remarks as justified outrage against a “broken system.” In the next, she’s spinning tales about being misunderstood or misquoted. The pattern is exhausting, and at this point, no one’s buying the victim card she’s perpetually trying to play.
As Lorenz’s contract with Vox winds down, speculation swirls about her next move. She’s already launched her own outlet, User Mag, but considering the trail of controversies following her, you have to wonder how sustainable her solo career will be. One thing is certain: for someone so eager to throw stones, she sure has built herself a glass house. Stay tuned because if there’s one thing Lorenz can be counted on for, it’s more drama.
