Christene Barberich, global editor-in-chief and co-founder of Refinery29, has announced on Instagram that she will be stepping down from her role to "help diversify our leadership in editorial and ensure this brand and the people it touches can spark a new defining chapter."

The media company has recently come under fire with accusations of racism and toxic company culture amid the growing conversations of race and representations in the US.

Refinery29 will begin to search for a new global editor-in-chief immediately.

Image: christenebarberich