John-Henry Westen issues frank rebuttal to 'false testimony'
He also thanked the Board of Directors for urging him to correct the record just as publicly as the accusations.
He also thanked the Board of Directors for urging him to correct the record just as publicly as the accusations.
(WM Reports) – of LifeSiteNews and Sign of the Cross Media has issued a statement pushing back on allegations made in the context of his brief removal as CEO earlier this month – which was one of the most dramatic events in the Catholic media world in recent times.
In the 10-minute video posted July 29, Westen said he was “blindsided” by a vote to oust him during a July 2 board meeting.
He claims the effort was driven by “false testimony” and violated LifeSite’s bylaws—an assessment later upheld by the Board of Directors, who reinstated him on July 18 and again reaffirmed his leadership in a follow-up vote on July 22. He states that at the same meeting, one of the Directors was removed from the board.
The video is Westen’s first direct reply to the allegations since portions of the July 2 board meeting were leaked online. He said those leaked clips – which allowed him no right of reply – falsely implied ethical breaches, including financial misconduct, donor deception, and nepotism.
Addressing each claim in detail, Westen insisted the financial arrangement behind a LifeSite property purchase was standard nonprofit practice, with no personal profit involved.
On the donor issue, he maintained that all figures were disclosed transparently, and the donor voluntarily gave above the cost of production.
Regarding family employment, he said both daughters were hired during a staffing shortage, with full hiring recusals on his part – and a paycut on the part of at least one of the two.
“Fundamentally, I believe this wasn’t about legal or financial misconduct,” Westen said, “but rather about differences of opinion regarding the editorial voice of LifeSiteNews.”
The Board has since launched an independent investigation into the incident. Westen framed the episode as part of a broader internal disagreement, particularly over his outspoken criticism of corruption within the Catholic hierarchy.
He also thanked the Board of Directors for urging “that the record be corrected just as publicly as the detractions.”
“My flaws are real and obvious to those close to me,” he said, “but they are not unethical or illegal.”
After thanking supporters, Westen promised a forthcoming plan to address concerns raised about LifeSiteNews’ editorial direction, and requested continued prayers.
He signed off by calling for viewers to join LifeSiteNews “in spreading the good news that Christ is King, to the ends of the earth.”
Westen has since set up another media project named Sign of the Cross Media, which is also operating on Substack.
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Westen said:
“Fundamentally, I believe this wasn’t about legal or financial misconduct,” Westen said, “but rather about differences of opinion regarding the editorial voice of LifeSiteNews.”
Of this, I have no doubt (ie., openness to sedevacantism).
But he then said:
“After thanking supporters, Westen promised a forthcoming plan to address concerns raised about LifeSiteNews’ editorial direction…”
That “plan” (the central issue of which will be LSN’s future policy on sedevacantism) will determine whether LifeSiteNews has been absorbed by Trad Inc. despite Westen’s return, or whether he will maintain his editorial integrity.
Sometimes it’s better not to take the money and retain integrity, than fall under the thumb of donors who can hold an organization ransom with their wallets.
Hopefully that’s not what’s being attempted here.
Time will tell but certainly LSN has been damaged by this debacle and trust has been lost. Hopefully can be recovered quickly with decisive action cleaning house.