Vice Media's co-founders have acknowledged a toxic 'boys club' culture at the company following a New York Times investigation detailing widespread sexual harassment. The report, published on Monday, describes a workplace where unwanted kisses, groping, lewd remarks, and propositions for sex were common, with more than two dozen women reportedly experiencing or witnessing such behaviour.
The investigation reveals that Vice reached at least four legal settlements related to sexual harassment or defamation, including one involving its current president. However, many more incidents were alleged that could have led to legal action. The company has come under scrutiny since earlier this year when a committee, including feminist icon Gloria Steinem, was formed to improve workplace conduct after a male executive was suspended for inappropriate behaviour.
In a statement to the Times, co-founders Shane Smith and Suroosh Alvi admitted: 'From the top down, we have failed as a company to create a safe and inclusive workplace where everyone, especially women, can feel respected and thrive.' They added that the culture had 'fostered inappropriate behaviour that permeated throughout the company.'
Earlier this month, three Vice employees were fired following an internal investigation into sexual harassment and improper conduct. A memo from global HR officer Susan Tohyama stated that the conduct 'ranged from verbal and sexual harassment to other behaviour inconsistent with our policies.' The company is also investigating allegations from a Daily Beast report that a manager sexually harassed a female employee.
The Times report depicts a culture rooted in an 'outlaw ethos' where partying was the norm. Vice, valued at $6 billion, has a deal with HBO and distributes via its own channel. Its major advertisers, many targeting the youth market, are likely displeased by the revelations.
