Refinery29 co-founder and editor-in-chief Christene Barberich announced today (June 8, 2020) that she’s stepping down from her leadership role. Barberich founded the New York-based, Vice-owned company in 2005 along with Justin Stefano, Philippe von Borries and Piera Gelardi.
On Instagram, Barberich wrote, “I’d like to start by saying that I’ve read and taken in the raw and personal accounts of Black women and women of color regarding their experiences inside our company at Refinery29. And, what’s clear from these experiences, is that R29 has to change. We have to do better, and that starts with making room. And, so I will be stepping aside in my role at R29 to help diversify our leadership in editorial and ensure this brand and the people it touches can spark a new defining chapter.”
Barberich’s announcement follows a statement issued by Refinery29 last week responding to multiple complaints from former employees who described the work environment as toxic for black women and women of color. Accusations included lack of opportunities to advance, unequal pay and near constant race-related micro aggressions.
One former editor summed up the issues on Twitter where she wrote, “I worked at Refinery29 for less than nine months due to a toxic company culture where white women’s egos ruled the near non-existent editorial processes. One of the founders consistently confused myself and one our full-time front desk associates & pay disparity was atrocious.”
According to Barberich’s statement, the company is in the process of finding a new editor-in-chief. In her statement, she wrote, “We will begin the search for the next Global Editor-In-Chief of R29 immediately. It’s time for a new generation of leadership that’s truly reflective of the diversity of our audience with divergent points of view, one that builds and expands on our original mission to amplify and celebrate a wide range of voices, perspectives, and stories…stories that need and deserve to be told.”
Check out Barberich’s full statement below.
