Christie Smythe: From Bloomberg Reporter to ‘Pharma Bro’ Memoirist – A Comprehensive Journey
Christie Smythe, a journalist whose career took a dramatic turn due to her association with “Pharma Bro” Martin Shkreli, has had a life that many might consider extraordinary. Known for her deep dives into complex legal issues, Smythe gained significant attention through her coverage of Shkreli’s legal battles, a relationship that would shape her professional and personal life in unexpected ways. In this article, we explore the many facets of Christie Smythe’s journey—her career, marriage, relationship with Shkreli, and what she’s doing now.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Christie Smythe was born on September 8, 1982, in Kansas City, Missouri. As of December 2024, she is 42 years old. She grew up with a keen interest in writing and journalism, eventually pursuing a degree in Journalism at the University of Missouri-Columbia. Her education laid a strong foundation for her future career in investigative reporting.
After graduation, Smythe began her career as a reporter for the Arizona Daily Star, covering real estate, retail, and tourism. Her path soon led her to more specialized work, as she took on roles with The Insurance Insider and Fastinform, where she honed her skills in business journalism. In 2012, she joined Bloomberg LP, where she worked for over six years as a legal reporter, covering major legal cases and regulatory matters.
During her time at Bloomberg, Smythe’s work gained widespread recognition. She reported extensively on business and financial litigation, often focusing on high-profile cases. One of her most notable stories was covering the arrest of Martin Shkreli in December 2015 for securities fraud. The story became Bloomberg’s most-read piece of the year, bringing Smythe national attention.
The Martin Shkreli Saga
Smythe’s life took an unexpected turn when her professional work intersected with her personal life. As she covered Shkreli’s arrest and his subsequent legal battles, the two began to form a personal relationship. This development shocked many, given Shkreli’s controversial reputation as a former pharmaceutical executive who raised the price of a life-saving drug by over 5,000%. His actions earned him the infamous moniker “Pharma Bro,” but it also made him a polarizing figure in the media.
In 2018, Smythe made the decision to leave her position at Bloomberg, a move that reflected her personal commitment to Shkreli. At this time, she also divorced her husband, Devin Arcoleo, a finance professional. The decision to divorce was a significant moment in Smythe’s life, driven by her involvement with Shkreli. This decision sparked widespread media attention, with many questioning her motives and the nature of her relationship with Shkreli.
“SMIRK”: The Memoir and Public Backlash
In the years that followed, Smythe’s association with Shkreli continued to be a major part of her public identity. In 2021, she published her memoir, “SMIRK,” which details her experiences with Shkreli, her career, and the challenges she faced in the public eye. The book explores her transformation from a respected reporter to a figure whose relationship with a convicted felon attracted significant controversy. In the memoir, Smythe reflects on the public backlash she faced, as well as her internal conflict between professional integrity and personal decisions.
Her book, while controversial, resonated with many readers who were interested in understanding the complexities of human relationships, especially when fame and scandal are involved. Smythe’s ability to articulate the emotional complexities of her journey demonstrated her skill as a writer and storyteller.
Personal Life: Christie Smythe’s Ex-Husband and Divorce
Christie Smythe’s divorce from her ex-husband, Devin Arcoleo, became a focal point of media scrutiny, particularly after her relationship with Shkreli became public. Arcoleo, who worked in finance, was reported to have been blindsided by Smythe’s sudden decision to leave him for Shkreli. Their divorce, finalized in 2018, marked the end of a significant chapter in Smythe’s personal life.
The public nature of her divorce, coupled with her relationship with Shkreli, led many to question her decisions. Some perceived her as a victim of manipulation, while others believed she was seeking fame. The situation highlighted the challenges that journalists face when their personal lives intersect with their professional work.
Despite the controversies, Smythe continued to pursue her career, writing for various publications and maintaining an active presence on social media.
Christie Smythe Today: A New Chapter
Today, Christie Smythe is a Senior Reporter at IPVM, a leading investigative outlet focused on surveillance technology. She joined IPVM in 2024, after working as a freelance writer and editor. At IPVM, Smythe specializes in reporting on legal and financial issues related to the surveillance industry. Her work includes exposing problems and concerns within this sector, demonstrating her ongoing commitment to investigative journalism.
Smythe’s experience in covering legal issues, from her days at Bloomberg to her work at IPVM, has solidified her reputation as a skilled and tenacious reporter. Her ability to tackle complex topics with clarity and precision has earned her respect in the field of journalism.
Legal and Ethical Reporting: A Lifelong Focus
Smythe’s career has been marked by a consistent focus on legal and ethical issues, particularly in the context of business, finance, and technology. She has used her platform to highlight injustices and hold powerful individuals and companies accountable for their actions. Whether it’s reporting on corporate corruption or investigating the ethical implications of surveillance technology, Smythe’s work has made an impact.
Her focus on investigative journalism is a natural extension of her earlier work, where she covered major legal and regulatory stories for Bloomberg. Over the years, Smythe has developed a reputation for taking on difficult topics and delivering thorough, unbiased reporting.
Christie Smythe’s Legacy: More Than Just “Pharma Bro”
While Christie Smythe’s relationship with Martin Shkreli will always be a part of her story, it is by no means the defining aspect of her career. Her work as a journalist, her contributions to the field of investigative reporting, and her commitment to uncovering legal and ethical issues stand as her lasting legacy.
As of now, Christie Smythe continues to work as a reporter, focusing on topics that matter to the public. She has moved beyond the shadow of “Pharma Bro” and is carving out a new chapter in her career, one that is built on integrity, insight, and the pursuit of truth.
Conclusion
Christie Smythe’s journey from a respected Bloomberg reporter to a public figure entangled in scandal is a testament to the complexities of the human experience. Her personal and professional life have intertwined in ways that have both challenged and defined her. Despite the controversies, Smythe has continued to prove her worth as a journalist, taking on tough subjects and delivering compelling, investigative reporting.
As she moves forward in her career, it is clear that Christie Smythe is more than just the woman who was once linked to “Pharma Bro.” She is a seasoned journalist, a writer, and a woman with a remarkable story to tell. Whether covering legal battles, surveillance technology, or human dramas, Smythe remains a force to be reckoned with in the world of investigative journalism.
