Workplace Misconduct in the News in December 2025

December brought several high-profile examples of workplace misconduct and social media scandals that illustrate how employee behavior, online and offline, can impact the workplace. These cases are a reminder of why social media screening is essential for organizations today. This is a trend that has been growing and we expect it to continue to grow in 2026.

Why Workplace Misconduct in the News Is a Warning Sign for Employers?

Workplace misconduct is not just an internal HR issue. It shows up in real ways that affect people, and business outcomes. It can range from harassment or discrimination to misuse of company resources or problematic online behavior that reflects back on an employer.

When these issues surface publicly, the impact can be significant. Employees can be hurt. Trust can be broken. Brands can take lasting damage. And what starts as a single incident can quickly turn into a headline that no organization wants.

That is why paying attention to misconduct in the news matters. These stories highlight the real-world consequences of missed warning signs and reinforce the value of identifying risks earlier. By understanding how online behavior can signal potential issues, organizations can take a more proactive approach to protecting their people, brand reputation, and bottom line.

For more insight, check out last month’s misconduct in the workplace and our guide on social media screening.

December 2025 Instances of Workplace Misconduct

Cinnabon worker fired after ‘vile’ racist attack on two customers in shocking viral video

A Cinnabon worker in Wisconsin was fired after a video posted to TikTok showed her hurling racist slurs, including the N‑word, and making obscene gestures at a Black Somali Muslim couple. In the clip, she can be heard admitting, “I am racist and I’ll say it to the whole entire world,” and mocking the woman’s hijab while flipping off the customers.

The confrontation reportedly started when the couple asked for more caramel on their cinnamon roll, a simple request that triggered the outburst. After the video went viral, Cinnabon publicly condemned the behavior, confirming the worker’s “immediate termination” by the franchise owner. (The Tab) 

Viral footage shows DoorDash driver allegedly pepper-spraying customer's food order during delivery

A DoorDash delivery driver is under criminal investigation after viral doorbell camera footage showed the driver allegedly spraying an irritant, believed to be pepper spray, onto a customer’s food order before leaving. The couple who received the delivery experienced burning sensations and illness after eating the tampered food, prompting them to report the incident to DoorDash and local law enforcement. DoorDash has permanently removed the driver from the platform as authorities continue their investigation. (Newsweek)

Air Force official resigns after scrutiny of anti-Muslim social media posts

Associate Dean at the Defense Language Institute English Language Center in San Antonio resigned following a public backlash over a series of social media posts linked to his name and image. The posts, some of which the ex-associate dean denies authoring, included violent and derogatory messages targeting Muslims and public figures. 

One post urged, "Mount a machine-gun on the vehicle, pull into an intersection ahead of this crowd and let the weapon do the work," aimed at Muslim protesters in Britain. Another directed at U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren stated, "Kill yourself for the good of the tribe," and a separate post about Hillary Clinton read, "Ignorant witch. Feel free to exit the planet stage left." (San Antonio Express News)

National Police Commission dismisses cop over sexually suggestive content on social media

The National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) in Manila dismissed a police staff sergeant for posting sexually suggestive and immoral content on social media. The publicly accessible videos included acts such as holding papers with vulgar sexual slang, slapping a woman and forcing her to eat food, simulating sexual motions, showing women receiving massages with visible breast exposure, and even depicting children drinking milk while he consumed beer. Several videos featured him in uniform, identifying himself as a police officer. 

NAPOLCOM ruled that the content violated standards of conduct, highlighting the impact of online misconduct on public trust. (GMA Network) 

Fama Findings: Screening Highlights Allegations Against Former Executive

A recent Fama screening revealed concerning activity involving a candidate who previously served as an executive at a youth culture research company. During an online search, articles surfaced showing the candidate had been accused of misappropriating proprietary client information for personal gain, including using the company’s confidential client database to secure private consulting work. The individual allegedly shared confidential information with a co-defendant and attempted to delete emails and client data upon resigning, potentially obstructing investigations.

This example emphasizes how social media screening and understanding public web presence can reveal misconduct risks not apparent through standard hiring or vetting processes. Organizations can protect confidential information and reduce reputational risk by integrating social media screening into their hiring and ongoing employee rescreening.

The Role of Social Media Screening in Preventing Misconduct

Problematic online behavior doesn't stay hidden. It’s often the first warning sign of issues that can seriously harm your workplace. Social media screening can surface concerning posts, patterns of harassment, discriminatory language, or threats of violence long before they erupt into a workplace issue or worse, a public crisis. By identifying these risks early, organizations can take a powerful, proactive step to prevent harm to their people, their brand, and their business.

Conclusion

December’s examples of misconduct in the workplace show that private and public behavior is increasingly connected. From high-profile executives misusing confidential information to frontline employees broadcasting harmful content online, these cases reinforce why social media screening is essential. Organizations that implement robust screening processes can better safeguard employees, clients, and their brand image while mitigating risks before they make headlines.

For more information on social media screening, request a demo at www.fama.io.