NEW YORK — The New York Times is reportedly in discussions to hire Jeffrey Toobin, the former New Yorker writer and CNN legal analyst who was fired in 2020 after he was caught masturbating on a Zoom call.
Toobin, 63, lost his position at The New Yorker following an internal investigation by Condé Nast. He later returned to CNN in 2021 but departed the network the following year.
At the time of the scandal, Toobin described his actions as “deeply moronic and indefensible” and said he was working to “be a better person.” His return to CNN sparked criticism, though he continued in his role as chief legal analyst until leaving in 2022.
The reported discussions between Toobin and The New York Times have not been confirmed by the newspaper. It is unclear what role he would take if hired.
If finalized, Toobin’s hiring would mark a significant return to mainstream journalism after his high-profile departure from The New Yorker.
He is reportedly joining the newspaper’s opinion staff.
One commenter on X asked if his new column would be called “Loobin’ with Toobin.”