Media

The New Republic drops out of presidential climate summit after Buttigieg op-ed controversy

by Chris Mills Rodrigo - 07/15/19 2:39 PM ET

Left-leaning magazine The New Republic dropped out of a presidential climate summit after controversy over an op-ed on 2020 Democratic candidate Pete Buttigieg the outlet published, Gizmodo announced Saturday.

Dale Peck’s post titled “My Mayor Pete Problem” about the South Bend, Ind., mayor was removed from the outlet’s website on Saturday. An editor’s note that replaced the op-ed explained that the post was removed “in response to criticism of the piece’s inappropriate and invasive content.”

“We regret its publication,” the note added.

{mosads}The op-ed, which drew widespread rebuke on social media, referred to the openly gay mayor as “Mary Pete” and speculated about his life as a teenager struggling with his sexuality.

TNR had on Thursday announced a climate summit scheduled for September in collaboration with Gizmodo.

In a statement, Gizmodo said it supports TNR’s decision to no longer be a co-sponsor of the forum.

“This incident was entirely inconsistent with our values as journalists and with the inclusive atmosphere we intend to foster at the event,” the outlet said.

TNR dropped out after at least three sponsors announced they would no longer participate in the event. “The piece, and the choice to run it, are inconsistent with our values,” the League of Conservation Voters tweeted.

The Center for American Progress Action Fund, NRDC Action Fund, and Earthjustice Action also pulled out of the event.

Tags Pete Buttigieg