The New York Times has quietly edited one of its most talked-about lifestyle features after backlash over the inclusion of former Venezuelan strongman Nicolás Maduro in a roundup celebrating the year’s most fashionable public figures.
The publication’s decision has sparked criticism from conservatives who argue that major media outlets continue to blur the line between pop culture and authoritarian politics by elevating controversial figures alongside entertainers, athletes, and celebrities.
The controversy centers on a July 7 feature titled “The 39-ish Most Stylish People of 2026, So Far,” an annual-style compilation highlighting individuals who generated attention through their public image during the first half of the year.
