"We Will Not Glorify a Dictator": Staff Warn of Mass Resignations
Michelle Obama and Jill Biden Featured on Covers Multiple Times in the Past
It has been reported that Vanity Fair, a renowned American fashion and culture magazine, is discussing the possibility of featuring First Lady Melania Trump, wife of President Donald Trump, as a cover model. This move has sparked strong opposition among the magazine’s staff.
There are reports that staff members are opposing the news that the American popular culture magazine Vanity Fair is considering First Lady Melania Trump as a cover model. Photo by Reuters Yonhap News
On August 26 (local time), American broadcaster Fox News and British outlet Daily Mail reported that Mark Guiducci, the newly appointed global editor-in-chief of Vanity Fair, is considering a cover feature for Melania Trump.
Guiducci took on the role this past June, and there is speculation that since his appointment, he has been attempting to bridge the gap with conservative figures.
Fashion magazines under Cond? Nast, such as Vogue and Vanity Fair, have traditionally featured American First Ladies on their covers. Michelle Obama, wife of former President Barack Obama, appeared on the cover of Vogue three times during her husband’s presidency, and Jill Biden has been featured twice.
However, Melania Trump was never featured on the covers of these magazines during President Trump’s first term. Despite her background as a former model, she has never appeared on the cover of the American editions of Vogue or Vanity Fair, except for a single appearance in Vogue shortly after her wedding in 2005. She did appear as a cover model for the Mexican edition of Vanity Fair in 2017.
The news of Guiducci considering this cover feature has prompted immediate backlash within Vanity Fair. Several anonymous staff members made it clear that if this decision moves forward, a mass resignation from the editorial team would be inevitable.
One staff member stated, "We will not participate in glorifying the wife of a dictator. Now is the time to stand up for what is right." Another editor added, "If Melania is featured on the cover, half of us will leave the company," even saying, "I am willing to stake my career on it."
On the other hand, some staff members believe that an actual wave of resignations is unlikely, but predict that Guiducci’s decision will cause turmoil within the editorial department going forward.
Another anonymous staff member commented, "The final decision rests with the editor-in-chief. Whether it succeeds or fails, the responsibility lies entirely with him."
Melania Trump’s office did not respond to Fox News’ request for comment. In a 2022 interview with Fox News, she addressed a question about being excluded from Vogue’s cover by saying, "They have biases and prejudices."
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