EXCLUSIVE: Before he became the New York Times’ go-to reporter on the pandemic, Donald McNeil Jr. was under intense scrutiny over accusations that he used the “n-word,” and made wildly offensive and racist comments while leading a Times-hosted student trip trib.al/hB7QMBR
McNeil, a high-profile health and science reporter, accompanied a student group to Peru in 2019 that focused on community-based health care in the region.
After the trip, students and parents complained to the tour company about McNeil’s behavior. trib.al/hB7QMBR
After the trip, students and parents complained to the tour company about McNeil’s behavior. trib.al/hB7QMBR
“Not only did Donald say various racist comments on numerous occasions, but he was also disrespectful to many students during mealtimes and in other settings,” one participant wrote. trib.al/hB7QMBR
Two students alleged that he used the “n-word,” while three others alleged that he used stereotypes about black teenagers.
Managers at the Times were immediately concerned.
“This is outrageous, in my view,” said fmr. corporate comms director Linda Zebian. trib.al/hB7QMBR
Managers at the Times were immediately concerned.
“This is outrageous, in my view,” said fmr. corporate comms director Linda Zebian. trib.al/hB7QMBR
Sources said that an internal investigation was conducted into the claims, and that McNeil was reprimanded. But now he’s emerged as one of the country’s most prominent voices on COVID-19–publishing a candid sit down with Dr. Fauci just this week. trib.al/hB7QMBR
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