‘Vice Is Broke’ by Eddie Huang Critiques Company and Media Trends: Huang Expresses Desire for Vice Scripted Show

Eddie Huang’s latest documentary, titled “Vice Is Broke,” encapsulates the downfall of a once-revolutionary media giant. Vice Media, known for its edgy countercultural content despite its corporate backing, declared bankruptcy in 2023, prompting Huang—an accomplished author, TV personality, and filmmaker—to share his grievances.

In an interview, Huang reveals that his discontent with Vice began with a personal clash with Shane Smith, the controversial co-founder and face of Vice. Smith’s ambitious but eventually unsustainable expansion led to internal discord, which Huang prefers not to detail further.

Compounding this issue, Huang was left unpaid for his work on “Huang’s World,” a series where he explored global cultures in a style reminiscent of his late friend Anthony Bourdain. “Since 2018, I had been chasing payment for my residuals,” Huang states.

“The bankruptcy was a turning point for me to use the information I had gathered out of personal interest.” Leveraging the outstanding payments, Huang managed to exit his non-disclosure agreement and crafted this documentary to expose the internal challenges of Vice.

Huang elaborates that Vice’s origins were rooted in a provocative magazine founded by Gavin McInnes, who later founded the far-right Proud Boys. Shane Smith, however, appeared as a more pragmatic figure, taking Vice into television and attracting major investments from Disney and A&E.

Huang criticizes Vice for presenting a false choice between McInnes and Smith, likening it to a flawed political dichotomy. His film proposes an alternative approach, influenced by Huang’s diverse career as a law graduate, author, chef, and TV personality.

Huang’s critique extends to Vice’s unchecked growth and financial mismanagement, suggesting that a future model for independent media could involve fresh investments in innovative ventures rather than clinging to failing structures. He envisions an ideal future where influential figures like David Ellison invest in new, dynamic projects rather than traditional, faltering ones.

In response, Vice Media claimed Huang’s insights are outdated, noting that he was never an employee and that his 2017 television show was not renewed. They emphasize their ongoing adaptation to the evolving media landscape.

Huang’s documentary remains compelling, and he expresses interest in creating a scripted show about Vice, which he believes could offer a unique perspective on contemporary issues, reflecting the lingering impact of Vice’s legacy.