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He's not even going to be the worst person speaking at the event, by far.

I don't know, I think he is undoubtedly a newsworthy individual, and if it is true that he is not receiving a speaker's fee, I think it makes sense for them to keep him on the agenda.

Bernie Madoff is also a newsworthy individual

And it would be in the public interest to have Madoff on a public panel forum. Democratization of information, open platforms, etc

And if Madoff agreed to an interview the month his scheme collapsed the NYT would publish it too.

In fact, the NYT did publish the first post-arrest interview with Madoff as soon as he agreed to one.

It was already scheduled, but also why wouldn’t they want him to appear? It’s an on going story. They’re obviously not endorsing crime or fraud.

They’d interview Bernie Madoff the week he was caught too.