Nicholas Kristof, the American investigative journalist and columnist for The New York Times, has revealed that he was offered $3 million through a mutual acquaintance who reportedly has ties to Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed, Vice President of the United Arab Emirates, in exchange for refraining from portraying the UAE’s role in Sudan negatively.
Kristof said the proposal also included promises of additional payments if he altered his coverage of the Rapid Support Forces, stopped sharply criticizing and “demonizing” the group, and instead focused on abuses committed by other parties. The offer allegedly encouraged him to highlight what its proponents described as the UAE’s positive contributions, including humanitarian assistance and support for civilian governance.
Kristof said he was deeply disturbed by the proposal, arguing that it reflected a mindset that assumes money can buy influence and shape journalistic coverage.
He emphasized that his professional work is guided by truth and humanitarian principles and that he could never accept distorting facts, absolving any party he believes responsible for abuses, or unfairly tarnishing another party in contradiction to realities on the ground.
