Vox Media fires editorial director over misconduct allegations

Vox Media has fired its editorial director following allegations of misconduct.

In a Slack message to employees on Thursday, Vox Media CEO Jim Bankoff announced that editorial director Lockhart Steele had been terminated, “effective immediately,” the website The Awl reported. 

The message reads:

{mosads}

“Hi team, I am writing to let you know that earlier this evening Lockhart Steele was terminated effective immediately. Lock admitted engaging in conduct that is inconsistent with our core values and will not be tolerated at Vox Media.

Our investigation into issues raised by a former employee in a post on Medium continues. Anyone with information should contact our external investigation leads, [redacted].

Vox Media is committed to fostering a safe and welcoming community, and appreciates everyone who has been willing to speak up and share information during the course of this investigation.”

A Medium post published last week by a former Vox Media employee alleged sexual misconduct by more than one employee at the company. Vox is still investigating the accounts put forth in the post.

Steele’s firing comes amid reports detailing decades of sexual harassment and assault allegations against Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. The reports have prompted numerous women in the media and entertainment industries to open up about their experiences with sexual misconduct by male colleagues.