Ryan Lizza Fired by The New Yorker And Suspended by CNN Following Sexual Misconduct Review

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Another prominent man in media is facing professional ramifications for alleged sexual misconduct. The latest is Ryan Lizza, New Yorker magazine’s Washington correspondent and a contributor to CNN — the former fired Lizza on Monday, the latter suspended him hours later.

“The New Yorker recently learned that Ryan Lizza engaged in what we believe was improper sexual conduct. We have reviewed the matter and, as a result, have severed ties with Lizza,” said a spokesperson in a statement. “Due to a request for privacy, we are not commenting further.”

Following the magazine’s decision, a CNN spokesperson told Deadline that Lizza would not be making his usual on-air appearances as the network conducted its own review. “We have just learned of the New Yorker’s decision,” said the spokesperson. “Ryan Lizza will not appear on CNN while we look into this matter.”

In late October, after explosive reports detailing film producer Harvey Weinstein’s decades-long record of sexually harassing and assaulting women in Hollywood broke, an anonymous “Shitty Media Men” list began circulating the internet. Lizza’s name was among those included. The document described his alleged sexual misconduct as “Creepy af in the DM’s.”

Lizza spent a decade working at The New Yorker; he joined CNN in 2012. He made headlines in July after unexpectedly receiving a phone call from Trump’s 10-day communications directory, Anthony Scaramucci, and proceeding to publish a story including multiple unhinged, profanity-riddled quotes by Scaramucci.

Lizza released a statement after news of his firing became public. “I am dismayed that The New Yorker has decided to characterize a respectful relationship with a woman I dated as somehow inappropriate,” he said. “The New Yorker was unable to cite any company policy that was violated.”

Lizza is just one of many men in the news business to be accused of harassing or assaulting their women peers.

Image: Frontline PBS