Ozy Media
Tagline: Live Curiously | |
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | |
| Founded | September 2013 |
| Founders |
|
| Defunct | March 1, 2023 |
| Fate | Shut down after multiple fraud charges |
| Headquarters | , U.S. |
| Website | www |
Ozy Media (styled as OZY) was an American media and entertainment company launched in September 2013 by Carlos Watson and Samir Rao. It was headquartered in Mountain View, California, with an additional office in New York City.
On September 27, 2021, The New York Times reported a series of scandals at Ozy involving fraud and executive misbehavior. On October 1, after significant negative media attention, Ozy's board of directors announced that the company would cease operations. On October 4, Watson announced that the company would remain in operation with a significantly reduced board of directors.
The Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission opened investigations into the company. In February 2023 three executives, including both founders, were charged with fraud. Ozy ceased operations, and its website went offline, on March 1, 2023.
On July 16, 2024, Ozy Media and co-founder Watson were convicted of fraud at trial. Co-founder and COO Rao and chief of staff Suzee Han had pleaded guilty and cooperated with the prosecution. On December 16, 2024, Watson was sentenced to 116 months in prison.
In March 2025, President Trump commuted the prison sentence of Carlos Watson.