Jeff Bezos Criticizes WaPo CEO Will Lewis for Super Bowl Parties During Layoffs
Jeff Bezos expressed growing dissatisfaction with Will Lewis, the former CEO of The Washington Post, after Lewis attended Super Bowl events in San Francisco amid significant layoffs at the newspaper. This information was reported by the Financial Times.
Internal Strain at The Washington Post
Lewis’s presence at the Super Bowl celebrations was seen as a decisive point in a troubled relationship with both the newsroom staff and ownership. Sources indicated that Bezos “lost patience after the Super Bowl incident.”
Impact of Layoffs
In a recent round of layoffs, the Post eliminated approximately 300 positions. This included cuts to the sports and books sections, as well as reductions in metro and international reporting teams. Senior management was reportedly furious upon learning of Lewis’s attendance at the Super Bowl events during this critical period.
- 300 jobs cut at The Washington Post
- Eliminated sports and books sections
- Reduced metro and international reporting positions
Reaction from Staff and Management
Lewis’s actions were labeled “callous” by senior management. His attendance at a high-profile event while staff faced job losses intensified pre-existing frustrations within the newsroom.
Post journalists publicly noted Lewis’s San Francisco trip on social media, exacerbating internal discontent during a week described as devastating for many employees.
Leadership Changes and Future Outlook
The internal crisis culminated in Lewis’s resignation as CEO and publisher. His departure reflects a challenging tenure marked by budget cuts, unrest, and low morale among staff.
In a statement about the situation, Bezos emphasized the Post’s critical journalistic mission. He stated, “Each and every day our readers give us a roadmap to success.”
Following Lewis’s exit, Jeff D’Onofrio, the chief financial officer, was appointed interim CEO and publisher. D’Onofrio previously held leadership at Tumblr and joined The Post in June 2025. In a message to staff, he acknowledged the difficulties faced that week and expressed his commitment to steering the paper toward a sustainable future.
