The New York Times quietly removed ousted Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro from its list of the “39-ish Most Stylish People of 2026, So Far” after initially including him among celebrities, athletes and public figures, according to a report from Page Six.
The annual list, published by the newspaper’s Styles Desk, originally featured Maduro before the entry was deleted. The Times later added an editor’s note acknowledging the change and directing readers to a separate article explaining the image that prompted the original inclusion.
“This article has been updated to remove an entry on Nicolás Maduro,” the note at the bottom of the feature states. “Read our Styles story about how an image of him in a tracksuit became a meme.”
The editor’s note links to a January Styles article centered on an image shared by President Donald Trump showing Maduro wearing a gray sweatsuit after his capture.
That article, titled “The Sweatsuit Was Bound to Become a Meme,” discusses how the image circulated online following Maduro’s arrest.
Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, are facing multiple federal charges related to alleged narco-terrorism.
According to the report, the couple was captured by U.S. forces during a January operation in Venezuela.
Maduro was wearing the now-famous gray sweatsuit while being transported to Manhattan, where he is expected to face the charges against him in federal court.
His criminal trial is scheduled to begin in New York on June 1, 2027.
The Times did not provide additional explanation beyond its editor’s note for why Maduro was initially included on the fashion-focused list or why the decision was later reversed.
The brief appearance, however, placed the former Venezuelan leader alongside several well-known figures recognized by the publication for their personal style.
Among those remaining on the list is actor John Travolta, whom the newspaper highlighted for embracing berets after directing his first movie.
Former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also appeared on the list. The Times remarked that Trudeau “looks like just another Instagram boyfriend” in photos shared on musician Katy Perry’s social media accounts.
Olympic gold medalist Eileen Gu was also recognized by the publication for her style.
The Times praised Gu’s fashion choices, specifically highlighting the ribbon she frequently wears in her hair.
“The ribbon she often wears in her hair shows that Gu, one of the most decorated multi-hyphenates, has a playful side,” the newspaper wrote.
Maduro’s removal from the feature came shortly after readers noticed his inclusion, according to the Page Six report.
The updated version of the article now omits any reference to the former Venezuelan leader except for the editor’s note explaining that his entry has been deleted and directing readers to the earlier story about the viral tracksuit image.
The incident drew attention because Maduro, who is facing federal criminal charges alongside his wife, briefly appeared on a list otherwise dedicated to recognizing public figures for their fashion and style.
With the revision, the New York Times acknowledged the change publicly while leaving readers with only the note referencing the separate article about the now-viral image of Maduro in the gray sweatsuit following his capture by U.S. forces.
