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Rumors are swirling in the arts and literary communities, suggesting that Andy Warhol’s famed magazine, Interview, has recently experienced a significant staff departure and may be on the brink of closure for the second time in its 56-year history.
However, these whispers seem to be unfounded. According to Mel Ottenberg, the magazine’s editor-in-chief, Interview is doing well and thriving. Despite claims of a large-scale editorial walkout, Ottenberg assures Page Six that the magazine is in good health, emphasizing, “Interview just signed a lease on a new and bigger office space, the next issue is out in a few weeks, things are good.”
Ottenberg, a renowned fashion stylist known for his collaborations with celebrities like Rihanna and Justin Bieber, stepped into the role of creative director at Interview in 2018 and was promoted to editor in 2021.
Addressing the rumors, Ottenberg stated, “It’s been a while since anyone left Interview, and while a few team members have recently departed, that’s perfectly normal. In fact, we’ve welcomed two new staff members within the past week.”
Interview was originally founded in 1969 by the iconic artist Andy Warhol and journalist John Wilcock, who co-founded the Village Voice. The magazine was initially edited by Warhol’s Factory associates, including Gerard Malanga, Glenn O’Brien, and Bob Colacello.
It became famous for having celebrities interview other celebrities. Robert Pattinson and Zendaya recently interviewed each other, Beyoncé interviewed sister Solange Knowles in 2017, and Jon Voight interviewed Angelina Jolie in 1997, for example.
Peter and Sandra Brant’s Brant Publications bought the title in 1989, and Ingrid Sischy headed it for nearly 20 years, until 2008.
In 2018 it filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and appeared to be shuttering.
But three months later, Peter bought the magazine out of bankruptcy, and it relaunched as a bimonthly magazine, rather than a monthly.