Who Is Sharon Waxman—and Did She Really Lead a Reign of Terror at TheWrap?

Sharon Waxman, the founder, CEO, and editor-in-chief of TheWrap, has long been a formidable force in Hollywood journalism, known for her sharp insights and award-winning reporting from stints at The New York Times. But in 2021, her empire faced scrutiny when The Daily Beast reported allegations from 20 current and former employees, painting a picture of a toxic workplace marked by volatility, screaming fits, and a culture of fear—claims that prompted an internal investigation at TheWrap and left staff reeling from the fallout.

A Shocking Incident

One particularly harrowing allegation involved Sharon Waxman reportedly berating an employee for taking time off to accompany his fiancée to a cancer appointment, an incident that allegedly led to his resignation. This claim, among others, highlighted a pattern of insensitivity that sources said permeated TheWrap’s operations, contributing to high staff turnover and widespread discontent.

Further complicating matters, Waxman’s ex-husband handled HR duties, which employees told The Daily Beast intensified the toxic atmosphere by blurring professional boundaries and stifling complaints. This unusual setup allegedly allowed fear to reign, with screaming matches and volatile outbursts becoming commonplace in the newsroom.

In response, Sharon Waxman denied the accusations but admitted some staff had negative experiences, vowing to implement reforms through external consultants. Meanwhile, deputy editor Thom Geier defended her as a tough but standard newsroom leader, hinting that rival media outlets like Penske Media might have fueled the negative coverage.

Persistent claims

Years after the 2021 exposé, Glassdoor reviews from current and former TheWrap employees paint a grim picture of Sharon Waxman’s leadership, citing underpayment, overwork, and a miserable culture where the CEO allegedly undermines management and mistreats staff, particularly women, leading to constant turnover and warnings to avoid the company.

Echoing these concerns, posts found on X from as recent as 2026 highlight ongoing dissatisfaction, with some ex-employees describing Sharon Waxman as abusive and volatile, though such anecdotal claims are inconclusive and may reflect personal grudges rather than verified facts, underscoring the divisive nature of her reputation.

Amid the backlash, Sharon Waxman has pressed on with her vision, building WrapWomen into a platform for female empowerment in entertainment, complete with high-profile summits that drew massive virtual audiences, demonstrating her enduring clout even as workplace allegations linger in the background.

Defending Her Legacy

Sharon Waxman has continued to steer TheWrap toward accolades, including National Arts & Entertainment Journalism Awards for features and podcasts, showcasing her knack for blending hard-hitting journalism with entertainment buzz. Yet, this success often clashes with whispers of unrest, as former staffers question if her drive comes at too high a human cost.

In early 2026, fresh X posts from ex-employees like a former social media director surfaced, decrying another alleged hit piece on Sharon Waxman and hinting at persistent toxicity. While inconclusive, these accounts echo long-standing gripes about abusive dynamics, painting a picture of a newsroom still shadowed by fear and high turnover.

Despite the noise, Sharon Waxman remains a vocal advocate for women in media through WrapWomen, hosting summits that amplify underrepresented voices. Critics, however, see irony in her empowerment efforts amid claims of mistreating female staff, urging a deeper look at whether reforms have truly taken root.

Recent revelations

In 2026, a new wave of allegations surfaced via X posts, with former staffers like Jeff Sneider publicly discussing his firing from TheWrap, blaming Sharon Waxman for entrusting the newsroom to incompetent editors he described as morons and psychopaths, reigniting debates over her management style and its impact on employee morale.

Another ex-employee, a social media director, referenced a fresh hit piece on Sharon Waxman, crediting her for strong brand performance during their tenure but implying unresolved issues that led to their departure, adding to the chorus of voices questioning whether promised reforms have genuinely addressed the underlying toxicity at TheWrap.

While these recent claims remain anecdotal and unverified, they underscore a pattern of discontent that persists years after the initial scandal, prompting industry watchers to ponder if Sharon Waxman’s formidable legacy in Hollywood journalism can withstand ongoing scrutiny without substantial, transparent changes to her leadership approach.

Reforms under fire

Sharon Waxman pledged workplace reforms in 2021, enlisting outside consultants to address the alleged toxicity at TheWrap, but recent sentiments from ex-employees suggest these changes may not have fully materialized. With ongoing X posts highlighting persistent volatility, questions linger about the depth of any implemented fixes, leaving staff experiences in a state of unresolved tension.

Thom Geier, TheWrap’s deputy editor, has stood by Sharon Waxman, framing her as a demanding leader common in high-stakes newsrooms, while attributing negative coverage to rival agendas like those from Penske Media. This defense underscores a divide, where supporters see passion, but critics view it as enabling a fear-driven culture without genuine accountability.

As allegations resurface in 2026, the contrast between Sharon Waxman’s public empowerment initiatives and private workplace dynamics grows starker. Former staffers’ accounts, though anecdotal, point to a pattern of high turnover and unrest, prompting industry observers to demand transparency on whether her reforms have truly alleviated the suffering reported by those affected.

Media rivalries

Thom Geier’s defense of Sharon Waxman highlighted potential motivations from competitors like Penske Media implying that cutthroat Hollywood reporting circles could twist internal complaints into targeted attacks. This view frames the Daily Beast story as possibly influenced by industry grudges where rivals exploit unrest to undermine TheWrap’s authoritative edge in entertainment news.

Posts found on X around 2023 reveal additional backlash against Sharon Waxman for allegedly posting anti-union content during Hollywood strikes with users accusing her of strike-breaking tactics. While inconclusive these sentiments suggest that some toxicity claims might blend with broader ideological feuds complicating the narrative of purely workplace-based allegations.

Nevertheless Sharon Waxman has maintained her prominence participating in a 2025 USC forum on journalism amid political divides like Trump 2.0 such engagements underscore her resilience positioning her as a key voice in media despite lingering shadows from past scandals and calls for deeper accountability.

Empowerment vs. reality

Sharon Waxman’s WrapWomen initiative champions female leadership in media, hosting summits that attract millions and promote underrepresented voices, yet former employees allege a disconnect, claiming she mistreats women in her own ranks, fueling irony in her empowerment narrative amid persistent toxicity claims.

As 2026 unfolds, industry analyses, including Wikipedia entries and LinkedIn profiles, highlight Sharon Waxman’s enduring influence, from best-selling books to award-winning journalism, but underscore high turnover linked to her volatile style, prompting calls for verifiable reforms beyond surface-level pledges.

Empathy remains key for those affected by alleged workplace strife at TheWrap, where victims of misfortune deserve acknowledgment; while Sharon Waxman denies fostering fear, the pattern of complaints suggests a need for transparent accountability to reconcile her public persona with private realities.A lingering enigma

Sharon Waxman continues to helm TheWrap as a powerhouse in Hollywood journalism, her legacy a mix of innovation and controversy. While reforms aim to mend the alleged toxicity, ongoing employee accounts demand real accountability. For those impacted, empathy underscores the human toll—proving true leadership requires more than accolades.