Washington Post Is Being Criticized For Suspending Its Writer After Her Kobe Bryant Tweets

The Washington Post took swift action on Sunday to suspend one of its writers, Felicia Sonmez, who tweeted a 2016 article from the Daily Beast regarding the 2003 sexual assault accusation made against NBA all-star Kobe Bryant, who passed away earlier that day in a tragic helicopter accident. Sonmez quickly began receiving death threats following the tweets, even having her home address publicized, forcing her to a hotel in fear of her safety.

In a now-deleted post, Sonmez defended her tweets, saying, “Any public figure is worth remembering in their totality, even if that public figure is beloved and that totality unsettling.” She also posted screenshots of her inbox and the hateful messages that she was receiving.

In an email to Sonmez, The Post’s executive editor, Martin Baron, referred to the tweets as “A real lack of judgment.”Tracy Grant, The Post’s managing editor, attributed Sonmez suspension to her lack of respect for her fellow writers and their work, claiming that the tweets “displayed poor judgment that undermined the work of her colleagues.” Grant also said in an email to Sonmez that The Post took an issue with the tweet because it didn’t “pertain” to her “coverage area” and added that her “behavior on social media” was “making it harder for others to do their work as Washington Post journalists,” according to CNN.

But now, the publication is facing backlash for the suspension from its own guild and media critic.

In a statement issued Monday by The Washington Post Guild, the paper was slammed for failing “to offer a clear explanation of why she was placed on leave — to Felicia or to anyone else.” It went on to add, “We are concerned by The Post’s unwillingness to be transparent about this issue, and alarmed by the implication that reporters will be penalized for talking about any topic, not on their beat.”

The guild also mentioned that attempting to censor reports of sexual assault “shows utter disregard for best practices in supporting survivors of sexual violence.”

According to the New York Times, Media critic, Erik Wemple, who also criticized The Washington Post, interviewed Sonmez, where she requested further detail regarding her impromptu suspension.

“I’m a little confused. If The Post is arguing that letting those survivors feel seen makes other colleagues’ jobs harder, I’d appreciate an explanation.”

The Post has stated that Sonmez will remain on leave while they investigate the matter further.