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New York Times fires romance columnist after she reposted woke attack on her employer on progressive X alternative Bluesky

New York Times fires romance columnist after she reposted woke attack on her employer on progressive X alternative Bluesky

The New York Times has terminated its romance columnist after she reshared a post on a progressive social media outlet slamming the paper's coverage of a new Congressional investigation accusing the president of rape. 

The paper published a story in late October reporting on a new call from the House Judiciary Committee to investigate Donald Trump's ties with the disgraced sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. 

Independent and former journalists on Bluesky criticized the piece for not including the word 'rape' or detailing accusations against the president. Trump has never been charged with or convicted of rape.

Marisa Kabas, an independent journalist, then emailed The Times to ask for an explanation of their coverage and shared the correspondence online. 

Mark Jacob, a former editor at the Chicago Tribune, reshared the post and called the justification for omitting the allegation 'unacceptable.' 

The Times romance writer and columnist Olivia Waite reshared the post, which seemingly caught the attention of her editors at the publication. 

Waite told blogger SB Sarah that she received an email from Book Review editor Tina Jordan after her repost, stating that she was 'no longer a good fit' for her column after expressing her sentiments about the paper online. 

'Last Thursday on Bluesky I reposted two of Marisa Kabas’ criticisms of the NYT’s coverage of the new rape allegations against the president,' Waite said in a statement. 

Olivia Waite, a romance writer and columnist for The New York Times, was terminated after reposting a negative comment about the paper. Picture source: Instagram / @o_wow_waite

Waite said The Times declined to continue her contract after she reshared content slamming the publication for neglecting to include the word 'rape' in a new report about the president. Picture source: Instagram / @o_wow_waite

'On Friday the Times declined to continue my contract as a fiction columnist, via a one-paragraph email praising the quality of my work but citing my presumably negative feelings about the NYT as inferred from my Bluesky posts, which they admitted they have been monitoring.'

Waite continued that romance writers often grapple with topics like sex and rape, arguing that the public should not be 'detached when discussing real-life rape.'

'And it appears that the paper’s ideal of journalistic objectivity and nonpartisan stance consists of not naming rape allegations as such when they apply to a sitting president, on the eve of a national midterm election,' she said. 

Waite added that she had 'no regrets' and argued she was a critic first and foremost. 'The value of being neutral depends entirely on what you’re staying neutral about,' she said.

Waite also shared another post on Bluesky about her termination that argues it was 'not a free speech issue.' 

'The first amendment applies to the government restricting speech. Not the New York Times. It's easy got be confused given how much water the Times carries for this administration!!'

The report that launched the controversy detailed a call from the House Judiciary Committee to investigate Donald Trump's ties to Jeffrey Epstein 

Waite has not shared a public statement on her termination. She has edited her Bluesky bio to read: 'Romance fiction columnist emerita for the NYTBR.' Her Instagram bio also reads: 'Former columnist for the NYT Book Review.'

The NYT report that launched the controversy detailed a new demand from a group of House Democrats calling for an independent special counsel to investigate Trump's ties to Epstein. 

Aides for the Judiciary Committee argued in the document that the president allegedly 'abused, assaulted, and even raped numerous women alongside, and in coordination with, the most infamous sex trafficker in history.' 

The Daily Mail has reached out to The NYT and Waite for comment. 

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Perez Hilton's family and team have delivered an update on his recovery as he remains in treatment three months after he was seen self-harming with a knife on a horrific live stream.

On Tuesday, PerezHilton.com posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update.

The post also included a sweet photo of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment.

The Daily Mail has reached out to Hilton's representative for comment but has not yet received a response. 

'It’s been three months since our family began navigating this difficult time. While it hasn’t been easy, we’re grateful to have some positive news to share about Perez’s recovery,' the update began.

Hilton's family and team revealed that he had 'transitioned into the next phase of his treatment' in October. 

On Tuesday, Perez Hilton's website posted a note addressing the 48-year-old gossip blogger's ongoing treatment, which they said had progressed to its 'next phase' in a cautiously optimistic update; above, in August 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada

Hilton is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' Despite the change of scenery, he 'continues to receive mental health care and support' and has been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'; Above, in 2022 in Santa Monica, California

The celebrity blogger is now in a 'partial hospitalization program (PHP), while staying in supportive housing.' 

Despite the change of scenery, Hilton 'continues to receive mental health care and support.'

Those close to Hilton noted that he had been 'able to spend time with his family during approved visits...'

Among those was a gathering to celebrate his mother's 73rd birthday, which also reunited him with his children.

'These moments together have meant so much to everyone,' his loved ones wrote.

They added that Hilton's post-crisis ordeal has 'been a learning process for our family.' 

'Like many people who have never been through something like this, we didn’t fully understand just how much time, care, and support recovery from a serious mental health crisis can require,' they admitted. 

After speaking with people who had suffered similar mental-health crises, Hilton's family came 'to understand that getting through the initial crisis is only the beginning.'

The post also included a sweet photo (above) of Hilton's three children – son Mario III, 13; and daughters Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight – as they went trick-or-treating while their father remained in treatment

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged; above, in October 2025 in Las Vegas

'There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, and we’re learning the importance of taking things one step at a time,' they said.

Although they acknowledged that many of Hilton's fans wanted to know when he would be back home with his family, they noted that there was no 'confirmed date' for him to be discharged.

However, they were 'hopeful that day is getting closer.' 

'Most importantly, we want him to have the time and support he needs to continue making progress,' those close to Hilton continued.

They added that his children remained 'well' and were 'staying busy with school, their activities, and everyday life.'

'They also had a wonderful Halloween!' the update added. 'After everything they’ve been through, seeing them smiling, having fun, and simply enjoying being kids has been especially meaningful.'

Hilton's family and team concluded with thanks to his fans who had 'continued to check in and send kind messages.'

'We’re incredibly grateful for your love, compassion, and support. It means so much to our family,' they wrote.

Hilton's family revealed in an update from late September that he had begun to have supervised visits with his children and mother; above, in January 2025 in Las Vegas 

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said; Above, with (L–R) Mario, Mia and Mayte in 2020 in Burbank

The newest update comes after Hilton's website shared another note in late September that revealed he had been having short 'supervised' visits with his children and his mother, who has been caring for them while he remains at a residential treatment center.

'They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mom a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility,' the statement said.

'Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez,' it continued. 'There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing.'

That update followed a longtime friend of Hilton's setting up a fundraiser to help support his mother as she cares for his three children.

According to the statement, Hilton's team has had only 'limited' communication with him recently. 

However, they said the 'priority isn’t constant communication with family, but rather giving him the time and space to focus on his care and continue making progress.'

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' they continued.

Hilton's team said they still don't know when he will be able to move on from the residential facility to go home and transfer to an outpatient program. 

'He’s continuing to work with his care team on understanding what led to his mental health crisis, recognizing warning signs, learning better ways to cope, and working through everything that brought him to this point,' his team said; Above, Hilton is pictured during an earlier, unrelated hospitalization

'Nobody wants to rush anything. For now, we’re all taking things one day at a time,' they said. 

'We’re grateful for the progress Perez has made so far, and especially grateful that he and his children have been able to spend some time together again,' his team added. 

The statement also updated Hilton's fans on an official fundraiser that his longtime friend, Tony-winning producer Tom D'Angora, had set up to assist his family.

'We want to thank Perez’s longtime friend Tom D’Angora again for setting up the GoFundMe to help Perez’s mom continue to care for his three children during this time,' the statement read. 'We also want to thank everyone who has donated, sent messages, and continued to send well wishes.'

They added that Hilton's mother, Teresita Lavandeira, 'has been incredibly touched and honestly overwhelmed by everyone’s generosity. It’s meant so much to her and to the kids.'

Now, with the support of Hilton's family, D'Angora is doing his part to raise funds for them during this difficult time. 

'I’ve known Perez Hilton (Mario) for 14 years and we have become very close friends, and during that time, he and his family have come to mean a great deal to me,' D'Angora said after launching the GoFundMe. 'With the support of his friends, I’m organizing this fundraiser to help his mother and his three children, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, during his treatment and recovery. 

'Perez is currently receiving full-time residential treatment while he focuses on his mental health and recovery. This process will take time. In the meantime, his mother has stepped in to care for his children full-time and give them the stability and support they need.' 

The statement included an updated on a GoFundMe set up by Hilton's long-time friend Tom D’Angora to benefit the blogger's family as he continues treatment; Above, D'Angora and Hilton in 2012 in NYC

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.' 'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time'; Above, Hilton and mom Teresita Lavandeira with Mario and Mia in 2018 in Culver City

'Like any grandmother who suddenly finds herself responsible for raising three growing children, she’s also taken on significant and unexpected expenses,' D'Angora writes. 'She’s put much of her own life on hold to make sure the kids can continue going to school, participating in their normal activities, and having as much consistency as possible during an incredibly difficult time.'

D'Angora stressed that none of the money raised will be 'used for Perez personally.'

'All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time. None of the money will be used for Perez personally,' he said. 

'It’s been heartbreaking to watch someone I care about very much, along with his entire family who I also care very deeply for, go through this. More than anything, I want to see Perez recover and return to a happy and fulfilling life as a father, son, brother, and a great friend.

'Every contribution, no matter the amount, will help support the kids and their grandmother during the months ahead. If you’re not in a position to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would also mean a great deal.

'Thank you for helping care for the people Perez loves most while he does the difficult work of getting better.'

The fundraiser came with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website. 

The update came not long after Hilton's family announced the blogger had entered a residential treatment program 'where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery.'

Tom said he had become 'very close friends' with Hilton since first meeting him 14 years ago

'This was an important next step, but there's still a long road ahead,' his loved ones shared.

'Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery.'

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, does not have access to a phone or laptop.

His communication with friends and family has been restricted during this crucial time of recovery.

Hilton's three children are currently living in Miami, Florida, under the temporary custody of his mother.

'His three children remain together, safe, and doing well in the care of their grandmother, who has stepped in to care for them full-time during this unexpected chapter,' Hilton's relatives continued.

'Our family's priority continues to be giving them as much stability, routine, and "normalcy" as possible while their dad focuses on his recovery. We are incredibly grateful for everything their grandmother is doing for them.'

The internet personality is allowed to see his children but those visits must be supervised by an approved family member or a therapist, TMZ reported, citing court documents.

The fundraiser comes with the blessing of Hilton's family, who posted a link to the GoFundMe on their official website

Hilton must obtain 'psychiatric clearance' prior to those visits, according to the outlet.

The crisis occurred several months after Hilton moved from Las Vegas back to his hometown of Miami, and he was living there with his children and his mother at the time of the shocking livestream incident.

On August 4, he was found by his sister, Barbara Lavandeira, inside the home's bathroom covered in blood and holding a box cutter.

Hilton had been filming a live broadcast on TikTok during which he appeared to engage in self-harm.

The livestream continued for about 15 minutes before TikTok stopped the feed, and Hilton's TikTok account has since been banned by the platform.

Sheriff's deputies responded to the scene following numerous calls from concerned viewers and the social media site's own moderation team.

Hilton was treated for lacerations and an overdose before being transported to hospital under Florida's Baker Act, a state law that allows for the temporary and involuntary hold of individuals suffering a mental health crisis.

His family confirmed that he experienced significant blood loss and multiple broken bones.

'Perez is alive, he's getting help, and he's surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again,' their statement concluded.

'Right now, those are the things that matter most.' 

If you or someone you know needs help in the US, please call or text the confidential 24/7 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988.If you are in the UK, call Samaritans on 116 123 for free. If you are in Australia, call Lifeline 13 11 14 or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

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