Wesley Lowery, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist celebrated for his racial justice reporting, is now facing sexual harassment allegations from at least six women. The accusations, which span from 2018 through 2024, include claims of coercive behavior, inappropriate conduct, and exploitation of professional influence.
Lowery, 34, previously held prominent roles at The Washington Post, CNN, and CBS’s “60 Minutes.” He also served as a tenured professor at American University before resigning in March following the emergence of these allegations.
One accuser, Olivia Messer, editor-in-chief of The Barbed Wire, claimed Lowery pressured her into performing sexual acts after he allegedly supplied her with alcohol in 2020. She further alleges that in 2023 she woke up in bed with him with no memory of consenting to sexual contact. Another journalist, Imani Moise of The Wall Street Journal, stated that in 2018 Lowery intoxicated her before allegedly assaulting her at his residence. A third woman reported a 2022 incident where she awoke to find Lowery assaulting her, again without recollection of giving consent. In 2024, yet another woman said he pressured her to let him into her home and attempted to undress her despite her refusals.
Additionally, three female students from American University reported troubling interactions with Lowery, citing inappropriate remarks and conduct during office meetings.
Lowery has issued a statement acknowledging past misconduct, expressing regret over not maintaining appropriate boundaries in his relationships. He noted that he is now sober and is committed to understanding and respecting professional power dynamics.
The allegations against Lowery have intensified scrutiny of media institutions and their responsibility to uphold ethical standards and protect individuals from abuses of influence.
