New Republic Publisher Resigns Amid Sexual Harassment Investigation 

The president and publisher of The New Republic has resigned as the magazine continues an inquiry into harassment allegations by female employees, according to a memo obtained by Splinter.

Hamilton Fish, president and publisher of the liberal magazine, had taken a leave of absence this weekend as the publication launched an investigation into recent complaints by female coworkers. (There have also been reports that he choked a female colleague in a previous job.) His resignation is “effective immediately,” according to a note from New Republic owner Win McCormick to his staff.

“This won’t mean an end to the inquiry we’ve commissioned, as we want to understand everyone’s experiences in full, both on their own terms and for the purpose of looking ahead,” McCormack wrote. “Thank you all, as well, for all the help you can offer in strengthening our institution through the months and years to come, and for every aspect of your support to each other and TNR as a whole during this difficult week.”

Fish’s departure comes after numerous current and former New Republic staffers accused the magazine’s longtime literary editor, Leon Wieseltier, of sexual harassment. Similar allegations in recent weeks have roiled the media world, from NPR to Netflix.

Read the full text of McCormack’s letter below:

Dear all,

I’m writing to inform you that Hamilton Fish has tendered his resignation from TNR effective immediately.

This won’t mean an end to the inquiry we’ve commissioned, as we want to understand everyone’s experiences in full, both on their own terms and for the purpose of looking ahead. If you happen not yet to have received the investigator’s contact details, with our invitation to connect with her, you should expect to today.

I’d like to express my deep appreciation to everyone who has contributed or will. Thank you all, as well, for all the help you can offer in strengthening our institution through the months and years to come, and for every aspect of your support to each other and TNR as a whole during this difficult week.

John is working with me now on next steps for our organization. If you have any questions, as I know many of you will, please do reach out to him or to me directly.

Yours truly,

Win

The New York Times’ Sydney Ember also obtained a copy of Fish’s letter of resignation:

Update, 4:22 p.m.: This post has been updated with the full text of McCormack’s memo to staff and Fish’s resignation letter, as shared by the Times.