In 2003, David Carr from The New York Times revealed a $50 million bid led by journalist Michael Wolff to buy New York Magazine. Wolff had brought together a group of big names, including billionaire Mort Zuckerman, Harvey Weinstein, and Jeffrey Epstein. This deal didn’t happen, but it shed light on Wolff’s aspirations. He believed owning the magazine would connect it to powerful circles that it should be part of.
Fast forward to recent revelations involving Wolff and Epstein. Emails recently uncovered from Epstein’s estate show Wolff providing strategic advice to Epstein about handling questions related to his ties with Donald Trump. At that time, Epstein was already a convicted sex offender, which raised eyebrows.
In one email, Wolff suggested to Epstein on how to respond to Trump’s comments during a televised debate. Wolff famously said, “let him hang himself,” illustrating a notable blur between journalism and personal alliance. He aimed to gain insights on powerful individuals, but his approach raised ethical questions in reporting.
Social media exploded with reactions. Many criticized Wolff for seemingly aiding a convicted criminal. Independent journalist Isaac Saul quipped, “This is journalism?” Meanwhile, Brian Reed from the Question Everything podcast expressed disbelief over Wolff’s actions, raising concerns about journalistic ethics when reporters engage with their subjects in such a manner.
While Wolff didn’t respond directly to requests for comment, he did say he was engaged in a conversation with Epstein about Trump. This only added to the confusion surrounding his role as a journalist.
Wolff has often been criticized for his casual approach to facts. In 2018, Maggie Haberman from The New York Times noted that Wolff believes in “larger truths” even if details are often incorrect. Ben Smith, editor of Semafor, pointed out that Wolff does not conform to traditional journalistic rules, labeling himself a writer instead.
His success hinges on this tension. For over two decades, Wolff has surrounded himself with influential figures, producing gossip-heavy pieces and bestsellers, including books about Trump. He earned substantial access by cozying up to political and financial elites, which he later chronicled in critical detail.
Notably, Rupert Murdoch once gave Wolff over 50 hours of interviews for his book, “The Man Who Owns the News.” Murdoch later complained that the book contained serious inaccuracies. Similarly, Steve Bannon allowed Wolff unprecedented access during Trump’s presidency, which led to some controversial remarks about the Trump family.
Wolff’s book Fire and Fury caused a stir, contributing to Bannon’s fallout with Trump. Despite this tension, both men continued talking to him. Trump’s White House communications director branded Wolff a “lying sack of shit,” showcasing the contentious relationships he maintains.
Recently, Melania Trump’s legal team threatened to sue Wolff over his comments, claiming harm to her reputation. Wolff has responded by suing her back, emphasizing the ongoing precariousness of journalistic ethics and power dynamics.
Throughout his career, Wolff has maintained connections with Epstein dating back to the late 1990s. He even provided questionable public relations advice, ignoring the serious criminal allegations surrounding Epstein.
His enduring presence in media circles raises questions: Why do powerful figures still engage with him despite past controversies? It seems they believe they can control the portrayal of their narratives. Wolff’s mix of charm and a willingness to “play the game” has made him a prominent figure in both power and journalism—a risky balance that often leaves ethical standards in the dust.
For more insights, you can read about the implications of journalistic ethics in modern reporting here.
