Bari Weiss Speaking Fee: $100,000 to $125,000

Bari Weiss, born on March 25, 1984, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, is a renowned journalist, writer, and editor. She began her career with significant roles at The Wall Street Journal and Tablet Magazine, later joining The New York Times in 2017 as an opinion writer and editor. Weiss's tenure at the Times was marked by her bold commentary on cultural and political issues, often sparking controversy and debate. She became widely known for her pieces on the #MeToo movement, free speech, and political correctness. In July 2020, Weiss resigned from The New York Times, citing a hostile work environment and accusing the newspaper of capitulating to online criticism and not defending her against alleged bullying by colleagues. Her public resignation letter underscored her concerns about the influence of social media on journalistic integrity and sparked widespread discussion about free speech in media. Following her departure, Weiss founded The Free Press, a media platform dedicated to fearless and independent journalism. She also launched the podcast ""Honestly,"" where she continues to explore and comment on pressing cultural and political topics. Weiss remains a vocal advocate for free speech and is known for her unyielding stance on defending diverse viewpoints in the public discourse.