in 1931 toomer married the writer margery latimer in wisconsin. during their travels on the west coast following their marriage, their marriage was covered in sensational terms by a hearst reporter. an anti-miscegenation scandal broke, incorporating rumors about the commune they had organized earlier that year in portage, wisconsin. west coast and midwest press outlets were aroused and "time" magazine sent a reporter to interview them. toomer was criticized violently by some for marrying a european-american woman.