How Elizabeth Holmes Tricked WIRED—and Everyone Else
WIRED reflects on how its favourable 2014 interview with Elizabeth Holmes helped present Theranos as a compelling example of Silicon Valley innovation. The article examines the magazine’s role in amplifying Holmes’ claims, amid wider enthusiasm for technology that promised people more control over their health.
At the time, Holmes was celebrated as a young billionaire and compared by prominent supporters to Steve Jobs and Bill Gates. WIRED staff had noticed warning signs, including an unusual board, a lack of peer-reviewed evidence and unverified internal rumours, but proceeded with an interview; in 2015, a Wall Street Journal investigation reported that Theranos’ blood tests did not work as claimed, and Walgreens ended its partnership.
- WIRED revisits its role in promoting Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos.
- Staff recalled warning signs before the company’s claims were challenged.
- A 2015 investigation exposed problems with Theranos’ blood tests.