Anna Wintour Accepts Vogue Has Been ‘Hurtful And Intolerant’ In Message To Employees

Anna Wintour, who has earned a reputation for being cold and stoic, addressed the harrowing racial injustices still happening in society nowadays in a note recently sent to Vogue staff. In it, she admitted that the company had not done enough to “elevate” its black staff.

Page Six reported that the note was sent on Monday (June 8), which was also the day Bon Appetit magazine editor-in-chief Adam Rapoport stepped down from his position after his brownface photos made rounds on the internet. Wintour began her message by acknowledging what her staffers are feeling right now, specifically the black employees.

The 70-year-old also underlined the need to recognize and act upon the violence and injustice running rampant these days, saying that “doing something about it is overdue.” Wintour acknowledged how Vogue reportedly “has not found enough ways to elevate and give space to Black” employees.

“We have made mistakes too, publishing images or stories that have been hurtful or intolerant. I take full responsibility for those mistakes,” Wintour said.

Wintour admitted that it can’t be easy to be a black employee in Vogue and that there are only a few in the company, according to another Page Six report.

“I know that it is not enough to say we will do better, but we will — and please know that I value your voices and responses as we move forward. I am listening and would like to hear your feedback and your advice if you would like to share either,” she said.

Wintour was on the receiving end of scathing comments from journalist André Leon Talley, her former friend who accused her of dropping him from the circle because he was “too old, too overweight and too uncool” in his memoir, “The Chiffon Trenches.” He also called his ex-confidante incapable of human kindness.

Talley said that he and Wintour are not talking anymore. He was particularly hurt during the 2018 Met Gala when he was supposed to interview guests at the event. However, he was replaced by YouTuber Liza Koshy.

Talley expected that with the years that they had worked together, Wintour would be decent enough to call or e-mail him about this.