One LA Weekly owner sues the rest, alleging they’ve pillaged the company
LA Weekly co-owner David Welch sued fellow investors for mismanagement and self-dealing, potentially forcing a sale as former staffers ...
In August 2018, LA Weekly co-owner David Welch filed a lawsuit against his fellow investors in Semanal Media, the company that purchased the paper in 2017. Welch alleges the other owners—led by Publisher and CEO Brian Calle—mismanaged LA Weekly, diverted resources for personal gain, and ousted him from the management team in violation of an oral contract. The lawsuit details unethical business practices, including using LA Weekly staff and assets to support unrelated ventures, promoting companies with owner ties without disclosure, and pursuing competing publications. Calle denies the claims, calling the lawsuit unfounded. The sale of LA Weekly had already sparked backlash, boycotts, and advertiser pullouts due to staff layoffs and perceived political agendas. If Welch’s lawsuit succeeds, it could force the dissolution of Semanal Media and put LA Weekly back on the market. Meanwhile, former staffers are preparing to launch a new publication, the LAnd, to carry forward LA Weekly’s alternative press legacy.