The Washington Post has ended its relationship with opinion columnist Karen Attiah following her social media activity. Attiah confirmed her departure on Substack, while the newspaper described her posts as “unacceptable” and said they raised concerns about professionalism.
Attiah’s posts on Bluesky drew immediate attention. One suggested that public reactions to divisive figures often involve displays of “performative care,” while another argued that declining to take part in such responses is not the same as hostility.
The Post considered the remarks serious enough to warrant termination. In response, Attiah defended herself, calling the decision a “hasty overreach” and a violation of journalistic fairness. She said her posts were intended to highlight broader issues such as political rhetoric, cultural double standards, and America’s response to public events. She emphasized that her comments were data-supported and not directed at individuals in a personal way.
Attiah maintained that her intention was to focus on the larger discussion of political tension in the U.S. The decision by The Washington Post has reignited debate over social media expression, journalistic freedom, and consequences for voicing strong opinions. Attiah framed her dismissal as part of a broader trend affecting outspoken voices in media, government, and academia, drawing attention to wider concerns about equity and accountability in public discourse.