Freelancers are speaking out about Latin Times payment issues after several journalists reported they were never paid for completed work. Many independent reporters call it “theft of services” and are warning others to stay alert. These Latin Times payment issues have caused concern in the journalism community.
Journalist Carola Guerrero De León shared her experience. She said she and other Latino freelancers are owed thousands of dollars. Etienne Uzac, associated with IBT Media and Pleroma Media, repeatedly delayed payments and then stopped responding. This has left freelancers frustrated and cautious.
Uzac has a known criminal history. He was involved in a $35 million fraud and money-laundering scandal connected to Newsweek magazine and a small California Bible college. Fraudulent loan money was used to keep media operations afloat and buy land in New York. This history has heightened concerns about current payment issues.
What worries freelancers most is that IBT Media and Pleroma Media continue to post job ads. They are hiring “passionate and skillful individuals” for over 100 positions, even though many applicants may face the same unpaid work issues.
Journalists are urging the National Association of Hispanic Journalists (NAHJ) and the Columbia Journalism Review to investigate. Freelancers hope that speaking out publicly will prevent others from being exploited and force the company to act responsibly.
The situation highlights a serious problem in media. When companies do not pay freelancers, it becomes theft of services, and public warnings are now a crucial way to protect journalists.
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