UPDATE: Washington Post Reinstates Reporter Who Was Suspended Over Kobe Bryant Tweets
As we previously reported, Washington Post journalist Felicia Sonmez was suspended after she tweeted out the 2016 story about the 2003 rape allegations against Kobe Bryant, while millions were mourning his tragic death. The headline she quoted by the Daily Beast, read, “Kobe Bryant’s Disturbing Rape Case: The DNA Evidence, the Accuser’s Story, and the Half-Confession.” The paper even said her comments “displayed poor judgment that undermined the work of her colleagues” at the time. But, it looks their feelings have changed.
RELATED: Washington Post Reporter Suspended After Sharing This Tweet About Kobe Bryant
According to the updated report, following an internal review of whether her tweets violated the newspaper’s policies, The Post ultimately decided it did not.
”After conducting an internal review, we have determined that, while we consider Felicia’s tweets ill-timed, she was not in clear and direct violation of our social media policy,” Tracy Grant, managing editor of The Post, said in a statement.
Grant went on to say,
“Reporters on social media represent The Washington Post, and our policy states ‘we must be ever mindful of preserving the reputation of The Washington Post for journalistic excellence, fairness, and independence,'” Grant continued. “We consistently urge restraint, which is particularly important when there are tragic deaths.” Before concluding she added, “We regret having spoken publicly about a personnel matter.”
Somnez also shared a statement in response to the lifting of her suspension:
I believe that Washington Post readers and employees, including myself, deserve to hear directly from @PostBaron on the newspaper’s handling of this matter. My statement on The Post’s decision tonight: pic.twitter.com/t5ULzUQhYT
— Felicia Sonmez (@feliciasonmez) January 29, 2020
Press Play Below For More On The Reactions From This Story:
RELATED: UPDATE: All Nine Victims In Horrific California Crash Identified