Refinery29’s Amy Emmerich leaves after an exposed toxic workplace

07/03/2020 Business, World


Emmerich announced the news in an email to staff that was obtained by CNN Business.

His resignation comes amid an internal investigation into allegations of toxic workplace behavior at Refinery29. Vice Media, which acquired the women-focused site last fall, hired an outside law firm last month to conduct the investigation, which is still ongoing. A spokesperson previously told CNN Business that the findings will be used as the basis for “appropriate action” taken by Vice Media.
CNN Business published a lengthy investigation into culture in June on Refinery29, shortly after Christene Barberich, co-founder and global chief editor at Refinery29, resigned amid public accusations of inappropriate behavior in the workplace. Barberich told CNN Business at the time: “I couldn’t see how my own perspectives and privileges were holding back the changes that needed to be made to promote that purpose and vision, and to give these women the support they needed.” Barberich had informed Emmerich.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to switch from Refinery29,” Emmerich wrote in his staff email. “I have always fought for space so this amazing team can create unhindered. I make this decision now so that I can continue to do so. Now is a time of change, reflection and growth for me personally and for all of us as we move forward. stories we have told and will continue to tell matter more than ever and I am truly grateful to have been a part of building a platform and business that featured unreported stories and amplified unheard voices grateful for the friends and colleagues I have I have had the privilege of working, and I look forward to the continued and sustained success of Refinery29. Please continue to take care of yourself and others. “

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Executive Vice President of Media Nancy Dubuc confirmed the news in a separate email to staff on Thursday.

“I want to express my gratitude to Amy for her efforts during this time,” Dubuc wrote. “Her business focus and unwavering energy have helped take Refinery29 to the next level in the media world. She leaves behind a brand that is ready to continue its mission of telling creative stories in every way that helps all women. to see, feel and claim their power at this fundamental cultural moment in history. “

An Emmerich spokesman declined to comment beyond what was in the email.

Emmerich started at the company as a video director in January 2015. She was promoted to content director later in 2015 and added the title of president in January 2019, according to her LinkedIn profile.

The Refinery29 union had called for Emmerich’s immediate resignation in a letter sent June 11 to Vice Media’s management. That letter, obtained by CNN Business, referenced employee allegations that Emmerich had allegedly failed them in a variety of ways, from “perpetrating racist micro-assaults to refusing to provide a safe and supportive work environment for staff ” Emmerich did not respond to a request for comment on the letter at the time.

“We are pleased that our June 11 letter to VMG management asking for Amy Emmerich’s resignation has finally been addressed,” the union wrote in a tweet from its official Twitter account. “We look forward to working with an experienced new leadership in overseeing a diverse newsroom @ refinery29 committed to serving a diverse audience.

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