Back in 2022, Jessica Reed Kraus received a phone call from Johnny Depp, who had been connected to her through a friend's wife. This call launched Kraus into the world of celebrity gossip writing and gained her a significant following on Substack. She covered the defamation trial against Amber Heard from a pro-Depp perspective and gained influence as a result. Kraus now earns seven figures as the top culture writer on Substack, covering the 2024 election from an "independent perspective."
Kraus has embraced right-leaning views and openly supports figures like Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former President Donald Trump. She has found a niche within the right-wing media ecosystem, attracting a predominantly right-leaning audience. Despite being labeled as a conspiracy theorist and criticized for her controversial views, Kraus sees herself as a contrarian journalist challenging mainstream media. She has become a prominent figure in the 2024 election coverage, alongside influential figures like Elon Musk and Tucker Carlson.
While Kraus has faced backlash for her lack of fact-checking and journalistic standards, her personality-driven style and willingness to share her opinions have resonated with her audience. She has become a sought-after presence at events like Mar-a-Lago parties and has been recognized and admired by her followers. Kraus sees her work as a form of pure journalism, allowing her to capture intimate moments and go against the grain of traditional media coverage.
Kraus acknowledges the concerns about her role as a primary source of political news for busy moms, but she believes in breaking down barriers and fostering conversations. She stresses the importance of challenging mainstream narratives and encourages her audience to think critically. Despite the controversy surrounding her work, Kraus is grateful for the opportunities it has provided and the support she receives from her followers.
