Vanity Fair Criticized for Romanticizing Cormac McCarthy’s Relationship with Teenager

The profile of Augusta Britt, who had a controversial relationship with the late author, faces backlash for its tone and portrayal of sensitive details.

Vanity Fair published a profile on Augusta Britt, who claims to have been the muse for Cormac McCarthy's novels after their relationship began when she was 16 and he was 42.
Critics have condemned the article for romanticizing what many view as an exploitative relationship, with Britt herself jokingly referring to McCarthy as a 'groomer.'
The piece, written by Vincenzo Barney, has been widely criticized for its writing style and failure to adequately address the ethical concerns surrounding the relationship.
Britt describes McCarthy as a protective figure who helped her escape an abusive foster care system, but the relationship reportedly led to legal issues, including allegations of statutory rape.
Social media users and literary critics alike have expressed outrage over the article, calling it tone-deaf and accusing the writer of glamorizing abusive dynamics.