Recent investigations by two law firms have determined that the leaders of Essence Communications, including its owner, Richelieu Dennis, did not engage in behavior that contributed to a toxic workplace. The essay, “The Truth About Essence,” was signed by Black Female Anonymous. Black Female Anonymous was a collective group of Essence employees. The essay expressed that Black women at essence were “systematically suppressed by pay inequity, sexual harassment, corporate bullying, intimidation, colorism and classism,” and it demanded the resignations of Mr. Dennis and other leaders. Black Female Anonymous also collected more than 4,500 signatures on a Change.org petition asking for the resignations.
See "Investigations at Essence Find No Evidence of Abusive Work Culture ", Adenike Olanrewaju, New York Times , September 9, 2020