Clarification: Andy Pemberton Is Spending Today at the Beach — and Likely the Subsequent Days, Too
So Women's Wear reported yesterday morning that Spin EIC Andy Pemberton was about to be fired. Yesterday afternoon several sources informed us that, yup, he had indeed been canned. Minutes later, Fishbowler Dylan Stableford reported that he had a source telling him likewise. Indeed, even the quasi-threatening emails Pemberton sent us last night — far too late last night, when he should have been out drinking (we certainly were) — didn't so much say, "Um, guys, I still work here," as quibble with one of our source's characterization that his sole Spin issue was "a giant shitball." (That's opinion, dude, and therefore not actionable.) But Pembie explains all the confusion in today's Women's Wear.
What happened?
[B]y Thursday evening two media news Web sites were claiming his exit was a fait accompli after Pemberton sent an e-mail to Spin staffers letting them know where he could be reached. But Pemberton, reached on his cell, said there had been no change in his status. "I certainly haven't left Spin," he said, claiming the e-mail was merely intended to let underlings know he'd be spending today at the beach. OK, then — did he expect he'd still be at the magazine next week? "All I can say is as of now I'm still at Spin."
Replies one of our sources, "It figures that a man who believes Coldplay is an indie-rock band would not know the difference between being employed and being fired."
Memo Pad [WWD]
Breaking: Pemberton Out at 'Spin' [FBNY]
Earlier: Breaking: As Predicted, Pemberton Is Out at 'Spin'