Over 30 staff members accuse Cohen and Anthony James of misconduct
- Over 30 current and former staff members of PinkNews have accused Ben Cohen and his husband Anthony James of inappropriate behavior.
- Witnesses reported an incident where James allegedly groped an intoxicated junior employee outside a pub after an event.
- These revelations indicate a troubling workplace culture and raise serious concerns about the conduct of the leadership at PinkNews.
In recent events that have come to light, more than 30 current and former employees from PinkNews, the world's largest LGBTQ+ news platform, have accused Ben Cohen and his husband, Anthony James, of inappropriate behavior towards younger male staff members. These allegations highlight a troubling culture within the organization. Witnesses recounted incidents where Anthony James allegedly groped and kissed a junior colleague who was reportedly too intoxicated to provide consent during a post-event gathering outside a pub in central London. The testimony of five former employees corroborates these claims, indicating serious misconduct and a disregard for the well-being of vulnerable staff. Additional allegations reveal that Ben Cohen himself has engaged in inappropriate conduct, including asking a male employee to go back to his home when he was heavily intoxicated. Furthermore, female staff members have reported being solicited to act as surrogate mothers for Cohen and James, adding to the claims of a pervasive atmosphere of misconduct. The actions described by former employees have sparked a conversation on workplace morality, especially within a reputed LGBTQ+ news organization that is expected to champion inclusivity and respect. Multiple staff members have characterized the environment at PinkNews as misogynistic and detrimental to the well-being of its employees. As these testimonies surface, they raise serious questions about the leadership and accountability within the organization.