6 Misconduct in the Workplace Headlines You Need to Know for February 2026

If you’ve followed the news lately, you’ve probably noticed a pattern: people are getting real-world consequences for what they post online.

From reality TV personalities losing work after racist commentary to public officials facing criminal scrutiny for flaunting questionable “perks,” the line between someone’s online behavior and their professional impact is essentially gone.

In this edition of Misconduct in the News, we’re breaking down six recent stories that reinforce a simple truth: how someone behaves online often shows how they’ll behave at work.

Why Should You Care about Workplace Misconduct in the News?

Workplace misconduct is any behavior that violates company policy or the law. That can include harassment, discrimination, fraud, threats, leaking confidential information, and more.

These headlines might feel like one-off scandals. But for HR and Talent leaders, they’re something else: risk signals.

Misconduct rarely appears out of nowhere. In many cases, it’s part of a longer pattern; and today, that pattern often shows up publicly on social media.

That’s why pre-employment screening has evolved. A social media background check helps employers identify risk earlier, before it becomes a public incident, a lawsuit, or a reputational mess.

6 Instances of Workplace Misconduct 

Understanding workplace risk in theory is one thing. Watching it unfold in real time is another.

Below are six recent headlines where someone’s online behavior directly affected their career and created ripple effects for their employers.

#1. Jill Zarin fired from 'Real Housewives' revival show after controversial Bad Bunny comments

Reality TV star Jill Zarin was fired from the upcoming E! docuseries The Golden Life after posting a racist Instagram video criticizing Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show.

Zarin faced backlash after calling the performance “the worst ever,” complaining that it was in Spanish, and falsely claiming it featured “literally no white people,” despite a prominent appearance by Lady Gaga. Production company Blink49 Studios reportedly cut ties with her in order to uphold its company standards. Even Zarin Fabrics, the business formerly owned by her late husband, publicly denounced her remarks with a statement opposing discrimination.

Why this matters: This is a classic example of how quickly online behavior can become an employment issue. When public comments suggest bias or discrimination, organizations often have to act to protect their reputation and avoid being seen as endorsing the behavior.

#2. Watsonville teacher placed on leave after making pro-ICE comment on social media

A teacher intern at MacQuiddy Elementary in Watsonville, CA was placed on administrative leave after backlash over a pro-ICE comment posted on Facebook. Parents and community advocates complained the comment created a hostile environment for the school’s largely Latino and immigrant student population. The district is reviewing the incident under its professional conduct and social media policies.

Why this matters: This serves as a reminder that public comments can quickly become a workplace issue if they undermine the safety and belonging of the community being served. In roles built on trust, especially when working with children, the stakes are even higher.

#3. Florida AG doubles down on nurses' social media behavior; Boca Raton nurse claps back

A labor and delivery nurse at Baptist Health Boca Raton Regional Hospital was fired and had her nursing license suspended after a viral TikTok video in which she made graphic and violent comments about the pregnant White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt. In the video, she expressed “great joy” at the idea of Leavitt suffering severe complications during childbirth.

The comments were condemned by hospital officials, local leadership, and Florida Attorney General as a violation of professional and ethical healthcare standards.

Why this matters: In healthcare, credibility is everything. When a nurse publicly expresses violent views, it raises legitimate concerns about judgment, professionalism, and patient trust. For employers, it’s also a reminder that social media behavior can quickly become a compliance and brand risk. 

#4. Hong Kong official fired, faces criminal probe following online ‘perks’ posts 

The director of Hong Kong’s liaison office in Tianjin was fired and is facing a criminal bribery investigation after posting online about luxury perks he received, including a private ferry cabin upgrade and hotel suites. Officials described the posts as “highly indiscreet,” noting that accepting such advantages without permission may violate Hong Kong’s Prevention of Bribery Ordinance.

Why this matters: This story shows how social media can surface risk, especially around ethics, bribery, and conflicts of interest. When someone casually showcases lavish perks online, they may be publicly documenting behavior that exposes their employer to legal and reputational fallout.

#5. Police officer made 'offensive and discriminatory social media posts'

A former West Yorkshire Police officer is facing a gross misconduct hearing after allegations of “offensive, discriminatory, and inappropriate” social media activity. Reports state that several public accounts showed him in uniform while posting discriminatory content, as well as sharing potentially sensitive police maps.

The force said the behavior breached professional standards and internet policies and would have justified dismissal had he not already left the organization.

Why this matters: Employees posting discriminatory content while representing the organization, public trust erodes quickly. And when sensitive information is involved, the risk isn’t just reputational. It can create real safety concerns. 

#6. Fama Screening Spotlight

A recent Fama screening surfaced a candidate with a long history of misconduct as a former university dean. Public reporting tied the candidate to allegations including interference with safety protocols that nearly led to a silane gas explosion, assaulting a female student in a public and “humiliating” incident, violating FMLA laws, misrepresenting laboratory deficits, and improperly transferring restricted equipment.

Amid claims of fiscal mismanagement, retaliation, and reputational harm, the Electrical and Computer Engineering Department reportedly passed a “no confidence” vote, signaling they no longer believed he was fit to lead.

Why this matters: This is what risk looks like in the real world: not one incident, but a consistent pattern. When someone has a documented history involving safety failures, mistreatment of others, and legal violations, the question isn’t if it will create problems again, it’s where and when.

Screening helps employers see these patterns before they become internal crises.

The Role of Social Media Screening in Preventing Workplace Threats 

Workplace safety isn’t only about locks, cameras, or policies. It’s about the people you hire, and the risks they bring with them.

As the headlines above show, serious issues like harassment, discrimination, threats, and ethical violations often leave traces online long before they turn into a formal complaint or a breaking news story.

That’s where social media screening comes in. A social media background check helps employers identify red flags earlier, reduce preventable risk, and make more informed hiring decisions, especially in roles where trust, safety, and public credibility matter most.

The February 2026 headlines are a clear reminder: misconduct doesn’t just happen “inside the workplace” anymore. In many cases, it starts online, and the consequences follow someone into their professional life.

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