Doreen St. Félix faces backlash for anti-White tweets and deletes social media

In August 2023, Doreen St. Félix, a staff writer for the New Yorker, found herself embroiled in controversy after publishing an article that criticized actress Sydney Sweeney's ad campaign for American Eagle. The backlash was fueled by her use of terms like "Aryan princess" when referring to Sweeney, in what many perceived as a racially charged critique. As criticism escalated, social media users unearthed old tweets from St. Félix that contained overtly anti-White sentiments, some dating back over a decade. These tweets included disparaging remarks about White men and claims that 'whiteness fills [her] with a lot of hate'. The discovery led to a concerted effort by online users, including prominent figures like Christopher Rufo, to spotlight her remarks and question the integrity of the New Yorker as an outlet employing individuals with such views. St. Félix's account was deleted as a direct response to the backlash and mounting pressure from critics and supporters, illustrating the growing scrutiny on public figures over past statements that are at odds with current societal expectations. The situation highlights the complex dynamics of race and representation in media discussions. Meanwhile, Rufo pledged a year’s salary to any New Yorker staffer willing to resign in protest against St. Félix's views, further intensifying the public discourse surrounding the incident. The fallout from this event draws attention to the need for accountability in media narratives, particularly ones that engage with race and identity. St. Félix’s experience serves as a cautionary tale in today’s climate, where statements made in the past can resurface and lead to serious professional consequences.