New York Magazine has severed ties with political columnist Ross Barkan after an internal investigation uncovered dozens of columns containing language and material that lacked proper attribution.
According to The Post Millennial, the magazine initiated its review after a Washington Post reporter identified striking similarities between the opening of one Barkan article and an earlier piece he had written on the same topic, prompting further scrutiny that was later amplified when NPR reported additional plagiarism allegations. The inquiry ultimately found 67 columns that, in the magazines words, did not include proper attribution of language, information and/or sourcing.
The outlet said it is now updating the affected articles with appropriate citations and insisted it remains committed to addressing any other instances that come to light. Upon conclusion of the review, we have determined that we will no longer publish his column, New York Magazine said.
We regret that his work did not live up to our editorial standards, and apologize to the writers whose work was not appropriately attributed, the publication added, underscoring the seriousness of the violations in an era when legacy media already faces a crisis of public trust. Barkan, speaking to The New York Post, acknowledged mistakes while framing the termination of his column as a mutual decision.
Weve decided to end the column and I send all the best to New York Magazine, Barkan said in a statement to The Post. In the course of nearly 250 pieces, there were times I should have been more careful with my citation, he added.
Im sorry about these errors and will work to do better, more careful work in the future. Barkan has long been aligned with the citys progressive wing, serving as a prominent supporter of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
Mamdani, a left-wing figure in city politics, served as campaign manager for Barkans 2018 state Senate bid, a relationship Barkan has openly referenced on his Substack and in other venues. Barkan also praised Mamdanis 2025 election victory in The Nation, calling it seismic.
Despite the controversy, Barkan said he intends to maintain his foothold in progressive media. I am, at a more considered pace, writing a new column for The Nation, Barkan said, noting that he has also written for outlets such as The New York Times and authored both fiction and nonfiction books, even as questions about ethical standards continue to swirl around the broader media establishment.
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