Multiple sources are reporting that ESSENCE.com yesterday laid off most of its staff. Managing editor Emil Wilbekin remains on staff as well as the online publication’s deputy editor and photo editor.

People close to the situation, who wish not to be identified, say up to 10 employees were let go yesterday. On the Web site Journalisticks, an employee confirms the report.

The move came after the Time Warner affiliate launched a redesigned Web site this week.

The layoffs at ESSENCE are part of a Time Warner corporate downsizing that plans to target about 280 jobs in the New York area, according to Richard Prince’s Journal-isms.

In June, the dotcom hired Wilbekin, former VIBE magazine editor in chief and Giant managing editor, to take its Web initiative in a new direction with a focus on augmenting its daily features.