One of the journalists recently let go from Condé Nast is turning to the internet for assistance to help cover his rent. Jake LaFoot, who previously worked as a senior writer for Wired, was filmed in a video on Wednesday confronting executives alongside other employees about layoffs linked to the downsizing of Teen Vogue. LaFoot and three others were dismissed shortly after this incident.
He has since reached out through a Spotfund campaign, expressing his need for short-term financial help after the layoffs. LaFoot noted, “After losing my job, I need to figure out several months’ worth of rent to get back on my feet.” He added, “Any amount helps. And, you know, New York is expensive!”
As of Friday evening, he had managed to raise over $5,000 from various supporters, with a goal of $8,800 in mind.
LaFoot recalled working as a live-in super before joining Wired, admitting that his financial situation was already tight at that time. In a video from Condé Nast’s offices at One World Trade Center, he was seen challenging about 20 editorial staff members, directly addressing Stan Duncan, the company’s head of human resources.
Mr. Duncan was captured on camera asking the employees to disperse and return to work, to which LaFoot questioned, “What is a gathering?” In the exchange, Duncan insisted he was busy with meetings, disregarding further discussions from employees like Bon Appétit’s Alma Avalle, who, along with LaFoot, was one of the four terminated that day—alongside co-workers from The New Yorker and Condé Nast Entertainment.
New York’s News Guild, which represents the employees, asserted that the footage counters management’s claims of “gross misconduct” associated with the firings. Condé Nast has denied this accusation, claiming that the video does not present the complete situation.
A spokesperson mentioned that their version of events is lacking context—specifically, some crucial minutes. The company has also filed a federal labor complaint against the union, alleging disruptive behavior by the employees involved.
The union, however, defended the workers’ actions as legally protected collective activity, with its president accusing Condé Nast of attempting to silence dissent within the workplace.
