GQ Editor Resigns After ‘Stylish Nazi’ Feature

James Brown, the editor of GQ , has resigned from his post following ‘philosophical differences’ with its publisher Condé Nast.

The latest issue of GQ caused controversy when the Nazis and Field Marshall Rommel were listed as amongst the sharpest men of the 20th Century. The article received complaints from Jewish groups and the Anti-Nazi league, who were disgusted that the style magazine should use the Nazis as icons.

James Brown was responsible for the unprecedented success of the laddish editorial of IPC’s Loaded, which is the second-biggest selling men’s title according to the latest consumer magazine ABC’s. Brown joined GQ in 1997, but the magazine failed to put on the sales Condé Nast wanted.

At the end of 1996, GQ had an average circulation of over 148,000. However, the title’s net sales have fallen substantially since then, hitting 129,000 by the end of 1997. Although Brown did help the title’s circulation to rise to its current level of over 132,000, the magazine failed to reach sales of previous years. The latest ABC’s show that the title increased its circulation by 2.2% in the latter half of 1998.

James Coleridge, managing director at Condé Nast, commented: “During James’ editorship the magazine’s circulation has grown, and he bought energy and humour to the editorial mix. He is a talented editor. We like him. Unfortunately, philosophical differences have arisen between James and Condé Nast over some aspects of the magazine’s content. We have agreed to disagree.” A new editor will be announced shortly.

James Brown commented on his departure: “I have enjoyed my 18 months at GQ. The team and I have built a dynamic, modern men’s magazine. I has been a great project and I am looking forward to my next challenge.”

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