Us Weekly Closing West Coast Office in L.A., Laying off Staff: Media Reports

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Us Weekly is closing its West Coast office in Los Angeles, Page Six reported Friday, while several news sites reported the New York-based celebrity news publication was laying off as many as 40 of its employees.

A receptionist at the magazine’s Miracle Mile office wouldn’t confirm the reported closure or comment Friday.

American Media Inc. purchased Us Weekly last week from Wenner Media Inc. The New York Times, citing unnamed sources, put the purchase price at $100 million.

New York-based Wenner also owns Rolling Stone and Men’s Journal magazines, while American Media publishes the National Enquirer and OK! tabloids.

Other media companies, including Chicago-based tronc, owner of the Los Angeles Times, had been rumored to be interested in buying the weekly.

New York-based American Media says it has an audience of more than 50 million across all of its platforms.

Different media outlets reported different numbers for the number of staffers being let go, but WWD and The Wrap both reported that 40 employees would be laid off.

A spokesman for American Media didn’t immediately return a request for comment Friday afternoon.

Staff reporter Caroline Anderson covers retail, restaurants, and hospitality. She can be reached at [email protected].

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