Playboy.com Axes Top Editor

CHICAGO — After only seven months as Playboy.com editor, Scott Smith was let go by the company Friday.

Published reports said that a Playboy spokesperson cited “creative differences” as the reason for Smith’s firing.

His responsibilities will be split by Sam Jemielity, the website's executive editor, and Sarah Preston Gorenstein, its managing editor.

Both Jemielity and Gorenstein will now report to Playboy magazine and Playboy.com Editorial Director, Jimmy Jelinek.

Smith was the former web editor at Time Out Chicago and also did a stint at the Chicagoist. He was considered the perfect choice by Jelinek who voiced his approval of the 35-year-old Smith after he was promoted to editorial director last August.

A post on the Chicago Tribune website reported that an email sent by Smith read, "Playboy seems to be moving in a different direction with the website's editorial content so they can better serve (dot com's) subscription-based business model. It's a challenging media environment for everyone, so I understand the need to make this change, even if it's less than ideal for me personally.”

It was also reported that Scott Alexander, the print magazine's New York-based Modern Living senior editor was also terminated. The position will be filled in the Chicago office.

More heads may roll as Playboy continues to struggle to remain competitive. XBIZ recently reported that by year's end, the company was preparing to cut its number of employees by half as business partners take over its existing operations and expand into new ventures.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More News

AEBN Publishes Report on POV Trends

AEBN has published a report on POV and gonzo categories from its straight and gay theaters.

Joybear Pictures to Launch 'I Really Love' Studio Imprint

Joybear Pictures has announced that its new studio imprint, I Really Love, will launch in January.

Pineapple Support to Host 'Life Transitions' Support Group

Pineapple Support is hosting a free online support group on navigating transitional and liminal spaces.

CamSoda Launches 'Trick or Tease' AI Companions

CamSoda has launched its Halloween-themed Trick or Tease AI companions.

Russian Lawmakers Call for Age Verification

Two Russian lawmakers have called on the country’s government to implement age verification for adult content.

British Documentary Spotlights XBIZ Amsterdam With Candid Conversations

British creator and host Josh Pieters traveled to XBIZ Amsterdam to film a documentary about the annual European adult industry conference.

XBIZ 2026 to Debut 'New Talent Go-See' Special Event

XBIZ 2026, North America’s premier adult industry conference, will debut a special event designed to help new talent jump-start their careers: the New Talent Go-See.

Penthouse Announces Digital Archive Launch

Penthouse Magazine has announced that it will launch a comprehensive digital archive in 2026.

Dreamcam Joins Pineapple Support as Supporter-Level Sponsor

Dreamcam has joined the ranks of over 70 adult businesses and organizations committing funds and resources to Pineapple Support.

AEBN Publishes Popular Searches by Country for August, September

AEBN has released the list of popular searches from its straight and gay theaters by country in August and September.

Show More