Spitfire News
@spitfirenews.com
A newsletter from @kattenbarge.bsky.social about internet culture, politics, and media. Subscribe today for free!
Reposted by Spitfire News
I dug into the controversy around celebrities and surrogacy this week for @spitfirenews.com, with the latest high-profile target being Lady Gaga—a woman who, mind you, has not confirmed or even indicated she used a surrogate to have her first baby
spitfirenews.com/p/lady-gaga-...
spitfirenews.com/p/lady-gaga-...
Attacking Lady Gaga for having a baby is not feminism
The anti-surrogacy discourse has reached its deranged peak.
spitfirenews.com
September 16, 2026 at 11:12 PM
I dug into the controversy around celebrities and surrogacy this week for @spitfirenews.com, with the latest high-profile target being Lady Gaga—a woman who, mind you, has not confirmed or even indicated she used a surrogate to have her first baby
spitfirenews.com/p/lady-gaga-...
spitfirenews.com/p/lady-gaga-...
Reposted by Spitfire News
I wrote about this all for my newsletter this week and I’ll have another update on Monday. This one is paywalled, but the next edition won’t be, and it’s free to subscribe!
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
Lindsay Clancy is the manosphere's new weapon
The facts of the case are a tragedy. So are many of the reactions.
spitfirenews.com
September 5, 2026 at 11:06 PM
I wrote about this all for my newsletter this week and I’ll have another update on Monday. This one is paywalled, but the next edition won’t be, and it’s free to subscribe!
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
Reposted by Spitfire News
The right-wing organizing around the Lindsay Clancy trial is growing and it’s frightening. A lot of people overlook these culture wars revolving around women’s issues, because, well, they’re women’s issues. But the right doesn’t. It’s how they regained such a massive cultural foothold.
September 5, 2026 at 10:47 PM
The right-wing organizing around the Lindsay Clancy trial is growing and it’s frightening. A lot of people overlook these culture wars revolving around women’s issues, because, well, they’re women’s issues. But the right doesn’t. It’s how they regained such a massive cultural foothold.
Reposted by Spitfire News
The manosphere and womanosphere are cynically leveraging the Lindsay Clancy trial and support for women with postpartum mental health issues to push even more stigma against mothers and campaign to erode women’s rights. My breakdown for @spitfirenews.com
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
Lindsay Clancy is the manosphere's new weapon
The facts of the case are a tragedy. So are many of the reactions.
spitfirenews.com
August 31, 2026 at 9:23 PM
The manosphere and womanosphere are cynically leveraging the Lindsay Clancy trial and support for women with postpartum mental health issues to push even more stigma against mothers and campaign to erode women’s rights. My breakdown for @spitfirenews.com
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
spitfirenews.com/p/lindsay-cl...
Reposted by Spitfire News
This week, a woman named Keshia Golden took a plea deal after she killed her abuser in self-defense while 8 months pregnant. Her case is one of many examples of the disproportionate criminalization of Black women who fight back to survive abuse.
spitfirenews.com/p/keshia-gol...
spitfirenews.com/p/keshia-gol...
How the state punishes victims who kill their abusers in self-defense
Three Black women in Chicago were unjustly charged with murder. Their outcomes prove vast systemic failures.
spitfirenews.com
August 26, 2026 at 6:59 PM
This week, a woman named Keshia Golden took a plea deal after she killed her abuser in self-defense while 8 months pregnant. Her case is one of many examples of the disproportionate criminalization of Black women who fight back to survive abuse.
spitfirenews.com/p/keshia-gol...
spitfirenews.com/p/keshia-gol...
Reposted by Spitfire News
Such a good read from @kattenbarge.bsky.social on the club chalamet mess. I also think there's an embarrassment factor -- fans want to distinguish themselves from extreme behaviour "I'm not crazy like her" - while eating up the photos/videos taken by those crowds. spitfirenews.com/p/club-chala...
The Club Chalamet attack and the problem with modern fandom
One 'Heated Rivalry' fan physically accosted another outside a star's hotel.
spitfirenews.com
June 24, 2026 at 11:20 PM
Such a good read from @kattenbarge.bsky.social on the club chalamet mess. I also think there's an embarrassment factor -- fans want to distinguish themselves from extreme behaviour "I'm not crazy like her" - while eating up the photos/videos taken by those crowds. spitfirenews.com/p/club-chala...
Reposted by Spitfire News
I wrote about the MeToo backlash genre of celebrity profiles where a rich guy who was “cancelled” over credible rape/abuse allegations wants a “comeback” despite facing little to no accountability. And for some reason we’re supposed to sympathize with his “plight”
spitfirenews.com/p/armie-hamm...
spitfirenews.com/p/armie-hamm...
The celebrity profile that infuriated me this week
Stop trying to make #MeToo redemption arcs happen.
spitfirenews.com
June 20, 2026 at 5:57 PM
I wrote about the MeToo backlash genre of celebrity profiles where a rich guy who was “cancelled” over credible rape/abuse allegations wants a “comeback” despite facing little to no accountability. And for some reason we’re supposed to sympathize with his “plight”
spitfirenews.com/p/armie-hamm...
spitfirenews.com/p/armie-hamm...
Reposted by Spitfire News
Euphoria launched some of Gen Z’s biggest stars. But showrunner Sam Levinson is a reactionary purveyor of misogyny who should never be handed another blank HBO check again. I wrote about my long-simmering dislike of his work for @spitfirenews.com
spitfirenews.com/p/euphoria-s...
spitfirenews.com/p/euphoria-s...
'Euphoria' was a misogynistic trash heap that got Gen Z all wrong
Being a world-class hater is easy when your target is Sam Levinson.
spitfirenews.com
June 5, 2026 at 9:37 PM
Euphoria launched some of Gen Z’s biggest stars. But showrunner Sam Levinson is a reactionary purveyor of misogyny who should never be handed another blank HBO check again. I wrote about my long-simmering dislike of his work for @spitfirenews.com
spitfirenews.com/p/euphoria-s...
spitfirenews.com/p/euphoria-s...
Reposted by Spitfire News
This is really, really good.
June 3, 2026 at 11:43 PM
This is really, really good.
Reposted by Spitfire News
A discomforting number of people in LA voted for Spencer Pratt, whose claim to fame is publicly demeaning women. He’s notably not the first reality TV villain to reach voters with vile, reactionary rhetoric. And he has the help of platforms like X.
spitfirenews.com/p/spencer-pr...
spitfirenews.com/p/spencer-pr...
Why people keep voting for reality TV villains
Spencer Pratt, vice signaling, and using influencers to undermine the left.
spitfirenews.com
June 3, 2026 at 11:20 PM
A discomforting number of people in LA voted for Spencer Pratt, whose claim to fame is publicly demeaning women. He’s notably not the first reality TV villain to reach voters with vile, reactionary rhetoric. And he has the help of platforms like X.
spitfirenews.com/p/spencer-pr...
spitfirenews.com/p/spencer-pr...
Reposted by Spitfire News
The popular superhero satire The Boys ended with Homelander, a character who is a Trump analogue, meeting his bloody and brutal end. This scared the hell out of conservatives, including Elon Musk, whose death was also parodied. They’ve been crashing out ever since.
spitfirenews.com/p/the-boys-e...
spitfirenews.com/p/the-boys-e...
Why the right is so mad about the ending of The Boys
It parodied Trump's death, but their anger goes deeper than that.
spitfirenews.com
May 28, 2026 at 10:18 PM
The popular superhero satire The Boys ended with Homelander, a character who is a Trump analogue, meeting his bloody and brutal end. This scared the hell out of conservatives, including Elon Musk, whose death was also parodied. They’ve been crashing out ever since.
spitfirenews.com/p/the-boys-e...
spitfirenews.com/p/the-boys-e...
Reposted by Spitfire News
Elon Musk has turned X into a machine that generates culture wars on demand. His racist and transphobic attacks on the cast of "The Odyssey" aren't just a distraction, they're the pop culture version of the Trump administration's anti-DEI propaganda.
spitfirenews.com/p/the-odysse...
spitfirenews.com/p/the-odysse...
Elon Musk's war on 'The Odyssey' is recycled ragebait
X serves up Gamergate on demand.
spitfirenews.com
May 22, 2026 at 12:42 PM
Elon Musk has turned X into a machine that generates culture wars on demand. His racist and transphobic attacks on the cast of "The Odyssey" aren't just a distraction, they're the pop culture version of the Trump administration's anti-DEI propaganda.
spitfirenews.com/p/the-odysse...
spitfirenews.com/p/the-odysse...
Reposted by Spitfire News
With this bundle, you can get 30 days of access to all of Spitfire News, Garbage Day, and Local News International for 50% off!
These newsletter bundles have been a great way to support your favorite journalists and to check out more indie reporting. Don't miss out!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
These newsletter bundles have been a great way to support your favorite journalists and to check out more indie reporting. Don't miss out!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Trustfnd | Local Garbage Fire
Three creators collaborating.
trustfnd.com
May 18, 2026 at 1:16 PM
With this bundle, you can get 30 days of access to all of Spitfire News, Garbage Day, and Local News International for 50% off!
These newsletter bundles have been a great way to support your favorite journalists and to check out more indie reporting. Don't miss out!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
These newsletter bundles have been a great way to support your favorite journalists and to check out more indie reporting. Don't miss out!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Reposted by Spitfire News
I've talked to lots of people who want to support indie journalism but are overwhelmed by how many newsletters there are.
That's why we're experimenting with bundles. I'm thrilled to partner with @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social and @davejorgenson.bsky.social on this one!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
That's why we're experimenting with bundles. I'm thrilled to partner with @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social and @davejorgenson.bsky.social on this one!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Trustfnd | Local Garbage Fire
Three creators collaborating.
trustfnd.com
May 18, 2026 at 1:13 PM
I've talked to lots of people who want to support indie journalism but are overwhelmed by how many newsletters there are.
That's why we're experimenting with bundles. I'm thrilled to partner with @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social and @davejorgenson.bsky.social on this one!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
That's why we're experimenting with bundles. I'm thrilled to partner with @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social and @davejorgenson.bsky.social on this one!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Reposted by Spitfire News
Starting today, you can subscribe to Local Garbage Fire, a bundle that includes
- Our Local News International membership.
- @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social’s Garbage Day newsletter
- @kattenbarge.bsky.social’s Spitfire News
It’s 50% off for a month! Subscribe here: trustfnd.com/davejorgenso...
- Our Local News International membership.
- @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social’s Garbage Day newsletter
- @kattenbarge.bsky.social’s Spitfire News
It’s 50% off for a month! Subscribe here: trustfnd.com/davejorgenso...
May 18, 2026 at 1:02 PM
Starting today, you can subscribe to Local Garbage Fire, a bundle that includes
- Our Local News International membership.
- @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social’s Garbage Day newsletter
- @kattenbarge.bsky.social’s Spitfire News
It’s 50% off for a month! Subscribe here: trustfnd.com/davejorgenso...
- Our Local News International membership.
- @ryanhatesthis.bsky.social’s Garbage Day newsletter
- @kattenbarge.bsky.social’s Spitfire News
It’s 50% off for a month! Subscribe here: trustfnd.com/davejorgenso...
Reposted by Spitfire News
If you have nothing to do tonight, I’m co-hosting a virtual workshop about survivor-informed journalism and storytelling and would love to see you there!! www.eventbrite.com/e/sharing-yo...
Sharing your Story: Survivor-Informed Journalism 101
More Than A Story Workshops x Survivor Stories Deserve Better Virtual Workshop Event
www.eventbrite.com
May 6, 2026 at 4:09 PM
If you have nothing to do tonight, I’m co-hosting a virtual workshop about survivor-informed journalism and storytelling and would love to see you there!! www.eventbrite.com/e/sharing-yo...
Reposted by Spitfire News
As some journalists are gearing up to dine alongside an authoritarian who wants them destroyed, I'm revisiting a @spitfirenews.com piece I wrote about my own 2018 WHCD experience. I was one of the student scholarship recipients, but it left me deeply disillusioned.
spitfirenews.com/p/partied-tr...
spitfirenews.com/p/partied-tr...
That Time I Partied with Trump's White House
I went to the WHCD in 2018. Not much has changed since then.
spitfirenews.com
April 24, 2026 at 4:28 PM
As some journalists are gearing up to dine alongside an authoritarian who wants them destroyed, I'm revisiting a @spitfirenews.com piece I wrote about my own 2018 WHCD experience. I was one of the student scholarship recipients, but it left me deeply disillusioned.
spitfirenews.com/p/partied-tr...
spitfirenews.com/p/partied-tr...
Reposted by Spitfire News
I wrote about how Eric Swalwell supporters tried to reframe the sexual violence allegations against him as a MAGA hoax, how some folks fell for it, and how this kind of rhetoric actually mirrors Trump's line of defense against his own accusers. For @spitfirenews.com
spitfirenews.com/p/eric-swalw...
spitfirenews.com/p/eric-swalw...
April 13, 2026 at 9:02 PM
I wrote about how Eric Swalwell supporters tried to reframe the sexual violence allegations against him as a MAGA hoax, how some folks fell for it, and how this kind of rhetoric actually mirrors Trump's line of defense against his own accusers. For @spitfirenews.com
spitfirenews.com/p/eric-swalw...
spitfirenews.com/p/eric-swalw...
Reposted by Spitfire News
Today is the LAST day you can get this 50% off bundle deal for 30 days of newsletters from me, @katelynburns.com, and @marisakabas.bsky.social!! For less than $10 you can support three indie publications!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Trustfnd | Indie Media Bundle
Three creators collaborating.
trustfnd.com
April 13, 2026 at 1:16 PM
Today is the LAST day you can get this 50% off bundle deal for 30 days of newsletters from me, @katelynburns.com, and @marisakabas.bsky.social!! For less than $10 you can support three indie publications!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Reposted by Spitfire News
It’s disturbing to see so many people and celebrities support a Ye comeback. In addition to 15+ years of antisemitism, white supremacy, and alleged sexual violence, Ye has become a cultural icon for far-right influence. And his “apology” doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.
spitfirenews.com/p/ye-s-bigot...
spitfirenews.com/p/ye-s-bigot...
Ye's bigotry and violence wasn't a phase
Wh
spitfirenews.com
April 7, 2026 at 9:58 PM
It’s disturbing to see so many people and celebrities support a Ye comeback. In addition to 15+ years of antisemitism, white supremacy, and alleged sexual violence, Ye has become a cultural icon for far-right influence. And his “apology” doesn’t hold up to scrutiny.
spitfirenews.com/p/ye-s-bigot...
spitfirenews.com/p/ye-s-bigot...
Reposted by Spitfire News
“People really need to take agency. Do you want to do something about Nazism? Don’t support a Nazi. Put two and two together. Do something with your behavior to help things get a little better,” says @chantalalive.blacksky.app spitfirenews.com/p/ye-s-bigot...
Ye's bigotry and violence wasn't a phase
Wh
spitfirenews.com
April 7, 2026 at 9:59 PM
“People really need to take agency. Do you want to do something about Nazism? Don’t support a Nazi. Put two and two together. Do something with your behavior to help things get a little better,” says @chantalalive.blacksky.app spitfirenews.com/p/ye-s-bigot...
Reposted by Spitfire News
I wrote about how Lindy West discourse turned into a war over “millennial feminism” versus “Gen Z feminism,” which all started from a bad faith, anti-feminist place. Also, I sent a typo in the email subject so I’ll be cowering in shame for the rest of the evening
spitfirenews.com/p/in-defense...
spitfirenews.com/p/in-defense...
In defense of 'millennial feminism' AND 'Gen Z feminism'
The generational infighting is the product of—and distraction from—the broligarchy.
spitfirenews.com
April 3, 2026 at 10:06 PM
I wrote about how Lindy West discourse turned into a war over “millennial feminism” versus “Gen Z feminism,” which all started from a bad faith, anti-feminist place. Also, I sent a typo in the email subject so I’ll be cowering in shame for the rest of the evening
spitfirenews.com/p/in-defense...
spitfirenews.com/p/in-defense...
Reposted by Spitfire News
Newsletter bundle alert—me, @marisakabas.bsky.social, and @katelynburns.com are offering a 1-month trial for 50% off our usual subscription prices! It's a one-time payment, no strings attached. With so many newsletters out there, we wanted to try something new!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Trustfnd | Indie Media Bundle
Three creators collaborating.
trustfnd.com
March 26, 2026 at 2:02 PM
Newsletter bundle alert—me, @marisakabas.bsky.social, and @katelynburns.com are offering a 1-month trial for 50% off our usual subscription prices! It's a one-time payment, no strings attached. With so many newsletters out there, we wanted to try something new!
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
trustfnd.com/kattenbarge/...
Reposted by Spitfire News
I wrote about the time-honored tradition of reality TV shows turning domestic violence into entertainment, usually through a misogynistic lens and sometimes by escalating abusive relationships. This culture has in turn informed how the internet exploits abuse cases
spitfirenews.com/p/taylor-fra...
spitfirenews.com/p/taylor-fra...
The 'Bachelorette' cancellation is not what it seems
Reality TV has a long, sordid history of pushing women to their breaking point.
spitfirenews.com
March 24, 2026 at 11:17 PM
I wrote about the time-honored tradition of reality TV shows turning domestic violence into entertainment, usually through a misogynistic lens and sometimes by escalating abusive relationships. This culture has in turn informed how the internet exploits abuse cases
spitfirenews.com/p/taylor-fra...
spitfirenews.com/p/taylor-fra...
Reposted by Spitfire News
I've been reporting on these types of campaigns for years now as a fixture of the era of MeToo backlash. I'm grateful for my Spitfire News members whose generosity allows me to publish this kind of reporting unpaywalled. spitfirenews.com/upgrade
spitfirenews.com
March 3, 2026 at 7:57 PM
I've been reporting on these types of campaigns for years now as a fixture of the era of MeToo backlash. I'm grateful for my Spitfire News members whose generosity allows me to publish this kind of reporting unpaywalled. spitfirenews.com/upgrade