Julian Assange, TIME's Person of the Year 2025?

  • By Elizabeth Sy
  • Canberra
  • Last updated on

WikiLeaks founder among finalists for TIME’s 2025 Person of the Year?

According to a well-informed source, WikiLeaks' founder Julian Assange is leading the race to become Time magazine's Person of the Year in 2025. But while the journalist's fans are thrilled with the news, many people hold a very different opinion.

UPDATE 22/12/2024 : This story seems to be false. (read more)

Why not Assange for Person of the Year?

The list of nominees for Time magazine’s Person of the Year is always an eclectic mix of world leaders, pop culture icons, buzzworthy names, and human rights activists. The unexpected inclusion of the 53-year-old journalist, as a 2025 nominee has therefore sparked controversy and debate.

“What makes Assange so important is the potential and influence he now has, rather than anything he has already done,” said a panelist who preferred to remain anonymous, adding that earlier this month, the journalist have already been named ‘Australian Of The Year’ by some major Australian newspapers and even ‘Townsville Citizen Of The Year’ by the readers of a local gazette in Townsville (Julian Assange's hometown).

Social Reactions to TIME’s Person of the Year

A representative for the journalist was not immediately available for comment, but the announcement generated immediate reaction on Twitter:

“Julian Assange Named Person of the Year Is No ‘Surprise’.”
— @TheNewsEditor, 21 Dec 2024
“Great choice! Long overdue recognition for his talents. #LoveJulian”
— @BarbaraHeyboer, 21 Dec 2024
“Past recipients include Joseph Stalin and Adolf Hitler ... then why not Julian Assange?”
— @TheClassicObserver, 21 Dec 2024

Could 2025 officially be the Year of Julian Assange?

Still, TIME’s editors will make the final decision about who will grace the magazine’s cover as its 2025 Person of the Year.

Who do you think should be TIME’s Person of the Year for 2025?

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