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Vanity Fair Drops Journalist Over Lindsay Clancy Trial Smile

8/26/2026

30 6 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Vanity Fair cut ties with journalist Brittany Romano after she smiled and winked during the Lindsay Clancy murder trial.
The magazine said Romano no longer has credentials to cover the trial because of conflicts with editorial standards.
Romano posted on Instagram that a smile is not a crime and denounced threats to slit her wrists.

History

Historical Context

In June 1971 the New York Times began publishing the Pentagon Papers, a 7,000-page secret study, and the Washington Post followed days later. The 6-3 Supreme Court ruling on June 30 rejected a prior-restraint injunction, reinforcing First-Amendment press freedom. That precedent underlies today’s Vanity Fair decision to remove journalist Brittany Romano amid debates over editorial standards and reporter conduct.

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Story summary

Vanity Fair cut ties with journalist Brittany Romano after she smiled and winked during the Lindsay Clancy murder trial.
The magazine said Romano no longer has credentials to cover the trial because of conflicts with editorial standards.
Romano posted on Instagram that a smile is not a crime and denounced threats to slit her wrists.

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