A fact from James Bennet (journalist) appeared on Wikipedia's Main Page in the Did you know column on 15 January 2009, and was viewed approximately 348 times (disclaimer) (check views). The text of the entry was as follows:
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We normally do list a position in the infobox even when the person no longer holds it. The dates show that his term there is over, and they show his predecessor and successor, per our usual practice. -- MelanieN (talk) 15:42, 8 June 2020 (UTC)[reply]
Allegations of Bennet chronically abusing employees
There was an article published by a former journalist who worked directly with Bennet, Jennifer Barnett. Many other journalists are confirming that accusations, for example journalist Felicia Sonmez of the Washington Post on twitter. Barnett also previously went on the record about this in this Washington Post article.
I think it's important that this allegation of systemic abuse is noted in his article, but I do not have enough Wikipedia editing experience to make sure that I can do it in a way that complies with guidelines. While I personally believe this article be true, it seems like the most neutral way of adding this information would be to the controversy section adding that in January 2021 additional allegations of sexism and abuse in the workplace during his tenure at the Atlantic were published, with the above articles as references.
Hope that writing on the talk page is the right next step. Would appreciate an experienced editor's feedback on how to integrate this into the article in the best way. Thank you! Coooohen (talk) 19:48, 27 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
@Coooohen: Neither Medium nor Twitter can be used as a source for what you call "an allegation of systemic abuse" against the subject of a WP:BLP. Certainly The Washington Post could be cited, but the story to which you link describes what seems to have been an internal HR issue that, in my opinion, does not rise to the level of encyclopedic Controversy. For the time being, let's wait to see if consensus forms to include it. NedFausa (talk) 21:51, 27 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
Thanks for the quick response! I read through the links you shared and I understand the reason and concerns about why it should not be added unless a more reputable source picks up the story. I also wasn't aware of all of the requirements for WP:BLP previously but they make sense to me and I'm happy to learn about the stricter requirements. Will keep them in the mind for the future! It's frustrating because in this particular situation it seems like he has the power to make sure that this won't get picked up by mainstream media, but for now I'm happy for this to live on the talk page. Thanks again for the help and for sharing resources. Coooohen (talk) 10:13, 28 January 2021 (UTC)[reply]
I just wanted to note for posterity that @Coooohen seems to take for granted that Bennet is guilty, based on the comment that “it seems like he has the power to make sure that this won't get picked up by mainstream media.” The user also seems to be looking for an opportunity to further grind this axe, as evidenced by the “happy for now.” I suggest any further suggestions to include the allegations this user recommends - and given the recent Economist article, they are likely incoming - be subject to particular scrutiny. 2603:7000:3D00:1882:7D00:CFB2:5F4E:469A (talk) 05:56, 15 December 2023 (UTC)[reply]
