Vanity Fair Reportedly Set to Let Olivia Nuzzi’s Contract Expire, Sources Reveal

Vanity Fair is reportedly considering letting Olivia Nuzzi’s contract lapse amid ongoing controversy. Insiders say the magazine is concerned about allegations made by her former fiancé and reporter Ryan Lizza.

Lizza has accused Nuzzi of ethical violations, including mixing personal relationships with her reporting. He claims she sabotaged other reporters’ work on Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign. These allegations have raised serious concerns within Condé Nast leadership.

Vanity Fair’s Review Process

Sources reveal that Vanity Fair is conducting a narrow review focused on Nuzzi’s work and Lizza’s ongoing accusations. The company has yet to make a final decision. However, two insiders suggest the likelihood of not renewing her temporary contract is increasing.

This development follows a prior investigation by New York Magazine into Nuzzi’s reporting. Vanity Fair’s review differs as it revolves largely around Lizza’s series on his Substack. The next installment, “Means of Control,” is set to publish soon, potentially influencing the outcome.

Impact on Vanity Fair and Media Landscape

The scandal highlights a rare ethical breach in political journalism—allegations of abusing journalistic power for personal gain. Lizza’s account portrays Nuzzi’s actions as crossing professional boundaries in Washington’s media ecosystem. Still, Nuzzi has not publicly responded, and many claims remain disputed.

Vanity Fair had gambled on Nuzzi’s rising profile under new editor Mark Guiducci to revive the magazine’s cultural relevance. Instead, the controversy has embarrassed the publication during its reinvention phase. Meanwhile, Lizza has leveraged the scandal to boost his own following on Substack.

Substack Success Amid Controversy

Lizza, writing from seclusion amid media scrutiny, has become one of the top political writers on Substack. His articles attract hundreds of thousands of views, with his first entry receiving over 700,000. Substack’s PR efforts suggest the platform benefits from the attention generated by the dispute.

As Vanity Fair carefully weighs its path forward, the situation remains fluid. The implications for Nuzzi’s career and the magazine’s reputation are still unfolding.