The news was confirmed by Black Female Anonymous, the authors of the Medium article, in a tweet just after 9:30 am this morning, which included a statement from Essence released on June 30.
That statement is very different from the initial response issued June 29 in which Essence outright denied the allegations of sexual harassment, workplace bullying, and pay inequity at the company.
In response to the latest statement, Black Female Anonymous has doubled down on its initial request for the removal of Essence Ventures Board Member and Former CEO of Essence Communications Michelle Ebanks; Joy Collins Profet, COO of Essence Communications; and Moana Luu, Chief Content Officer of Essence Communications, whom the group says was “complicit” in Dennis’ behavior which, allegedly included “a history of sleeping with women on the Sundial staff, (the parent company of Shea Moisture he sold to Unilever in 2017).”
Dennis, bought Essence from TIME Inc. in 2018 making the company completely Black-owned, but according to the Medium piece, “His surface-level commitment to Black women is driven by greed and a debaucherous sexual appetite.”
By July 3, Wanga is expected to outline an actionable plan as to how she will make Essence “a more safe and equitable workplace for Black women,” with Black Female Anonymous advising “Fix it or Fold.”
