Political reporter David Weigel has been suspended from The Washington Post after retweeting a tweet considered sexist.
CNN’s Oliver Darcy reported Weigel has been suspended for one month without pay after retweeting the joke.
The tweet Weigel retweeted read, “Every girl is bi. You just have to figure out if it’s polar or sexual.”
For context, this was the retweet. https://t.co/azC25i7P6f
— Oliver Darcy (@oliverdarcy) June 3, 2022
Post reporter Felicia Sonmez reacted to the retweet, saying, “Fantastic to work at a news outlet where retweets like this are allowed!”
Fantastic to work at a news outlet where retweets like this are allowed! pic.twitter.com/zs4dX4qprH
— Felicia Sonmez (@feliciasonmez) June 3, 2022
Weigel later said he “removed a retweet of an offensive joke. I apologize and did not mean to cause any harm.”
I just removed a retweet of an offensive joke. I apologize and did not mean to cause any harm.
— David Weigel (@daveweigel) June 3, 2022
According to CNN, Sonmez confronted Weigel in an internal company Slack channel.
She tagged him, saying, “I’m sorry but what is this?”
Sonmez explained the retweet sent “a confusing message about what the Post’s values are.”
After others chimed in on the discussion, national editor Matea Gold penned a message.
“I just want to assure all of you that The Post is committed to maintaining a respectful workplace for everyone. We do not tolerate demeaning language or actions,” Gold said.
The Post’s chief spokesperson, Kris Coratti, also released a statement to the press.
“Editors have made clear to the staff that the tweet was reprehensible and demeaning language or actions like that will not be tolerated,” Coratti said.
Sally Buzbee, the executive editor of the Post, sent a memo telling staffers “to treat each other with respect and kindness both in the newsroom and online.”
She continued, “The Washington Post is committed to an inclusive and respectful environment free of harassment, discrimination or bias of any sort.”
Buzbee reminded staffers, “When issues arise, please raise them with leadership or human resources and we will address them promptly and firmly.”