Jezebel is one of the most iconic female villains of all time. Known for her seduction and idolatry, she leads King Ahab into some of the darkest days of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. So it’s fitting that feminists would identify with Jezebel and name a publication in her honor. They put out a statement.
As of this week we are making the very, very difficult decision to suspend publication of Jezebel. Few decisions over the course of my career have been as excruciating, and I want to make clear this is in NO WAY a reflection on the Jezebel editorial team. They have had many successes over the past year or so and continue to do great work in difficult times. To an individual the Jezebel team has worked to meet and exceed their audience’s needs and wants in an incredibly important time for the core topics of the site. Their urgent, breakthrough coverage of reproductive rights in this post-Roe era, as well as other key issues core to modern women, affirmed the brand’s storied legacy as the website that changed women’s media forever.
Unfortunately, our business model and the audiences we serve across our network did not align with Jezebel’s. And when that became clear, we undertook an expansive search for a new, perhaps better home that might ensure Jezebel a path forward. It became a personal mission of Lea Goldman, who worked tirelessly on the project, talking with over two dozen potential buyers. It is a testament to Jezebel’s heritage and bonafides that so many players engaged us. Still, despite every effort, we could not find Jez a new home.
I haven’t given up on Jezebel. Media is nothing if not resilient. So are its practitioners. I will keep you apprised if circumstances change.
With the suspension of Jezebel’s operations, we must unfortunately part ways with their incredibly talented editorial staff. I want to thank the site’s team, both past and present, for their dedication, fearless voices, and indelible contributions to our culture. You changed the game.
Even in defeat, they still call for their god, Moloch.
