On Tuesday night, Billboard’s website was apparently hacked, announcing the layoff of the publication’s complete web IT staff. The post made some harsh statements towards its now supposed former employees, stating that “Fat drunk and stupid is no way to go through life…” A picture of Stephen Hurst playing Kent “Flounder” was also shared. Apparently the entire thing was part of the joke.
A part of the statement reads:
“In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, Valence Media has decided to lay off their entire web IT staff. Effective today. The online Billboard Charts are essentially perfect, so IT staff are no longer needed,”
Earlier on Tuesday, real layoffs did officially begin at Valence Media, the parent company of many publications such as Billboard, The Hollywood Reporter, and many more. Unfortunately, many writers and editors were let go due to the COVID-19 pandemic. According to a report by the New York Post, a source has stated that Valence Media is on “‘financially shaky'” ground.” Therefore, the future of Valence Media is uncertain as of now.
Stay tuned for more updates on this story.
