IWMF Condemns Online Attacks Against Taylor Lorenz

The IWMF is appalled by the relentless online smear campaign against New York Times technology and internet culture reporter Taylor Lorenz. After tweeting about her experience with online violence against women on International Women’s Day, Lorenz was subjected to virulent online attacks, exacerbated by repeated coverage by Fox News’ Tucker Carlson.

“It’s not an exaggeration to say that the harassment and smear campaign I’ve had to endure over the past year has destroyed my life. No one should have to go through this,” Lorenz tweeted on March 9. Research shows these attacks can move offline through doxxing, stalking and physical threats.

Carlson’s commentary is a deliberate, deeply dangerous effort to mobilize harassment toward Lorenz. Coordinated attacks against women journalists by major news networks not only threaten a journalist’s livelihood, but her life itself: online violence is real violence with real consequences.

Lorenz is a legitimate journalist whose work should be applauded, not attacked. Women journalists must be able to do their jobs without fear for their lives – we stand with Lorenz and call for an immediate end to this violent behavior.