Full Breakdown
Dan Wakeford Exits as Editor-in-Chief of Us Weekly
12/6/2025, 5:47:11 AM
Departure Announcement and Future Plans
Dan Wakeford has announced his departure as editor-in-chief of Us Weekly, a celebrity gossip magazine, effective January 9, 2026. In a memo to staff, Wakeford expressed his intention to pursue creative projects in film and books while indicating a potential future contribution to the magazine on special projects. He stated, “After much consideration, I have chosen to leave my position as editor-in-chief of Us Weekly to develop my own creative projects in film and books.”
Reasons Behind the Departure
Insiders at Us Weekly have suggested that Wakeford's exit was not entirely voluntary. Reports indicate that he was "forced out" due to an inability to secure high-profile exclusives with major Hollywood stars, which was a key expectation from the magazine's leadership. Sources claimed that while Wakeford promised to deliver interviews with celebrities like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston, he instead provided stories featuring less prominent figures. Additionally, it was noted that Wakeford was often absent from the office, preferring to work remotely, which contributed to dissatisfaction among staff regarding the magazine's direction under his leadership.
Background of Us Weekly
Founded in 1977 as Us by the New York Times Company, Us Weekly has undergone several ownership changes, becoming part of McClatchy Media Company in 2024. The magazine has a combined print and digital circulation of approximately 2 million, according to data from the Alliance for Audited Media.
Criticism of Wakeford's Tenure
Critics of Wakeford's leadership pointed to a decline in the magazine's star quality during his tenure. Insiders remarked that recent covers lacked the allure that characterized earlier editions, particularly those around significant events like the marriage of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in 2018. The sentiment among staff was that Wakeford's hands-off approach did not align with the magazine's needs for dynamic and engaging content.
Official Statements & Responses
While Wakeford's departure has been confirmed, there has been no official comment from McClatchy regarding the circumstances surrounding his exit. The magazine's future direction remains uncertain as it seeks to regain its footing in a competitive entertainment landscape.
Verbatim Quotes
- “After much consideration, I have chosen to leave my position as editor-in-chief of Us Weekly to develop my own creative projects in film and books,” — Dan Wakeford, Former Editor-in-Chief of Us Weekly
- “He promised them big people like Julia Roberts and Jennifer Aniston,” — Us Weekly Insider
What's Next
As Wakeford transitions away from his role, Us Weekly will likely undergo a search for a new editor-in-chief to revitalize its content strategy and restore its reputation in the celebrity gossip sector.
