Exposing Anti-White Harassment + Discrimination in US Media Companies
FAQs
VIRTUE Worldwide
TBD
virtueworldwide.com
TYPE: Advertising Agency
INSTITUTIONAL INVESTORS:
OWNER: VICE Media Group (VMG)
VMG went backrupt in 2023 and was bought by Fortress Investment Group
SUBSIDIARIES: -
2024 REVENUE: -
2024 HEADCOUNT: -
55 Washington St
Brooklyn, NY 11201
+1 718 928 9321
hello@virtueworldwide.com
deepa.patel@vice.com
Based on the information provided and viewed through the lens of the EEOC, federal law, and New York State's Human Rights Law (NYSHRL § 296), the DEI initiatives implemented by Vice Media Group (VMG) and its agency VIRTUE Worldwide under the leadership of former Chief People Officer Daisy Auger-Domínguez and VIRTUE leaders Krystle Watler (a Black woman) and Genie Gurnani (an Indian drag queen) present significant legal risks of potential harassment and discrimination against White employees. Parent company VMG has publicly articulated a commitment to DEI, framing it as central to its mission. The explicitly race-conscious approach, including the use of "BIPOC" terminology, tracking hiring demographics with goals for increased BIPOC representation and targeted recruitment efforts could be construed as creating preferential treatment based on race, violating the principle of equal opportunity and potentially leading to claims of reverse discrimination. Furthermore, mandatory "inclusive leadership" training, potentially informed by unconscious bias concepts, could have fostered a hostile work environment if it presented content that stereotyped White employees, attributed inherent bias based on their race, or suggested collective responsibility for historical inequities. Ms. Watler co-authored an open letter called “Come Through”, stating her frustration with the lack of representation and belonging for non-White and non-disabled individuals in corporate life, stating they go “above and beyond” while being underpaid and undervalued, presumbly by non-disabled White people. The absence of dedicated DEI leadership under the current CEO Bruce Dixon and VIRTUE President Chris Garbutt following the 2023 bankruptcy does not absolve the company of potential legal liabilities stemming from these past initiatives. See VICE Media Group’s profile above for more information.
Parent company VICE Media Group owners Soros Fund Management and Fortress Investment Group emphasize Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, including diversity and inclusion metrics, in their investment stewardship and proxy voting guidelines. This external pressure from major shareholders likely serves as a significant driver for VIRTUE's public commitments and strategic focus on ESG and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Consequently, accountability for the design and impact of DEI initiatives rests primarily with the company's leadership and board, who must navigate these influential investor expectations.
This information is based on publicly available information, including websites, case studies, and news articles from a recent period. To ensure you have the most accurate and current information, please refer to the company's official announcements. The information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice; consult a licensed attorney for specific legal guidance.
DieDEI.co is waiting on internal materials for a fuller picture of VIRTUE Worldwide’s DEI program. Follow us on social and subscribe to our newsletter for updates.
NOTE: Client lists are subject to change. This information is based on publicly available information, including websites, case studies, and news articles from a recent period. To ensure you have the most accurate and current information, please refer to the company's official announcements.